4.0L V6 1GR FE burning oil

Hi everyone,

I bought a high miles 2007 Access cab (4.0L V6) 4 months ago and I absolutely love it. Bought it with 256k miles and I am currently at 264k miles. When doing an oil change yesterday, I noticed dipstick marked level at half way between low and high marks. I have done two oil changes and have used mobile 1 full synthetic 5w30. I brought up oil consumption to my mechanic and he suggested to get a low miles 1GRFE and replace current engine but it sounds like a small fortune to me. I have replaced spark plugs, PCV valve and serpentine belt. No engine codes and although a loud engine, no weird sounds or noises. Could this be worn out rings? Any alternatives to stop oil consumption? I changed oil at a 5400 mile interval from last time. Carfax shows it’s a CA car and regular maintenance throughout its life. Also, I’m planning to keep this truck for a long time. Thank you guys in advance. Here’s some photos after washing her at 264k miles

 

Over 5400 miles you lost 1/2 a quart? Thats nothing. Keep driving and check the level periodically.

 

Did the previous owner run synthetic or conventional oil?
Any blue puffs of smoke when you start it after sitting all night?
Any blue smoke when you accelerate hard?
Exhaust tip have lots of soot?

 

Did your mechanic check the pcv valve? It can be a (small) contributor to oil consumption if it's clogged causing higher crankcase pressure but at those miles the mill is probably just getting tired.

 

Half way is only half a quart? Then I shouldn’t be too concerned

 

Halfway between low and high marks? Sounds perfectly fine to me.

 

do not know what previous owner used, but it was serviced at Toyota and jiffy lubes so I’m assuming conventional. No blue smoke or blue puffs at cold starts

 

I replaced the pcv valve 2 months ago. I had the same assumption

 

Nice truck what color is that?

Considering that after 5000 miles your oil is in the safe range it seems okay and it definitely isn’t worth replacing the whole engine. Burning about 1/2 quart of oil at 250k+ I would think to be pretty normal. anyone else skeptical of the mechanics recommendation?
Check periodically and drive like hell imo.

 

Yes exactly! I like my mechanic but I think recommending a low miles engine swap is not the move here. I’ve seen these 4.0L go the distance 400-500k. It’s black! Front bumper is faded but I’m going to repaint it. I thought about installing an ARB bull bar but it’s a pre runner not 4x4 and mostly drives on LA streets. I’m also saving up for a softtopper

 

Its barely burning any, I wouldn't be concerned with it. I have a few FJ's that burn more than that.

 

How many miles on your FJs? I feel honored to have the same engine on my 07 as an FJ.

 

Half a quart over 5k miles is nothing.

 

keep an eye on the used market! I actually just bought a used softopper for $500 with the boot cover (and tent) included. It’s in great condition. Hope you enjoy your truck for many years to come cheers!

 

I'm going to get a lot of flack from the group for this recommendation, but you could also run a little thicker oil than 5w30. I run 5w40 in mine. Before anyone says anything about Toyota engineers knowing what's best, in Australia, Toyota says you can run up to 15w40 in the 1GR-FE right in the owners manual. You might get slightly worse fuel economy, but in my opinion you'll get better protection and less oil consumption.

 

Thanks! Where did you find yours? Having a hard time finding a used one in my market

 

Patience!

Craigslist actually. FB marketplace would also be worth occasionally searching.

 

Any thoughts on running Mobil one synthetic 10w30?

 

Thanks! New ones are pricey. Good looking truck by the way. Blue goes well with tan soft topper

 

10w30 synthetic would be just fine. Supposedly it doesn't thin out as much as 5w30 does. I'm not going to pretend to be a chemical engineer, but I would run it without hesitation.