Burning a quart of oil every 1k

Just realized I might be getting catalyzer confused with catalytic converter. I’m basically useless when it comes to mechanical issues so forgive me but I do live in CA so unfortunately there’s that issue as well

 

100,000 miles is a lot for a PCV....200,000 is a -ton-, especially if it is the factory OEM part that came on it. Inspect it as soon as you get the chance . The valve should give a clear rattle-sound when you shake it. If it has never been replaced it will probably be clogged with sludge and might not rattle at all. Check the hose: it should be firm with no cracks. Cracks will mean a likely vacuum leak which will impact fuel mileage. Clogs in either can allow pressure to increase in the crankcase causing blow-by in piston rings, and blown out oil seals, leading to increased oil consumption. Changing them may help or eliminate your oil consumption problem.

 

At this point, you don't have much to lose in trying a few things.
This may not be popular, but check out some Youtube videos about the Berryman's soak. You remove the spark plugs, pour a couple of table spoons of Berryman's in each cylinder, let it soak overnight, pour a little more in, let it soak for a total of about a day. Crank the engine to spew out any liquid left in the cylinders, reinstall spark plugs/boots and start it.
It takes a while for it to finally spark and start with all the Berryman's in there so have a battery charger handy. Once it gets running, let it idle until warm and then change the oil. The BM will have leaked down into the oil so you don't want to drive it like that. Drive it for a day or two then change it out with Valvoline Restore and Protect oil.
My daughter's Corolla was starting to use enough to have to add between oil changes, probably a little over a quart in 5,000 miles.
I did this about six months ago and it stopped using oil. I check her oil every few weeks and it's been doing well.
Just my two cents since you are at a point of having to do something.

 

Try using a product called EPR (engine performance restore). You can get it on Amazon or specialty shops. You pour it into your oil and idle the car for like 15 minutes and drain . Maybe do it 2 or 3 oil changes. The idea is to clean out the oil control ring so it seals better.

Don't give anybody $4000 on a hunch .. !

 

You must reside in a zip code, in CA, that doesn't require a smog check. Lucky.

One way to help confirm if the oil loss is due to bad valve stem guides is to not drive the car a day or two, two is better. When you next start the engine look for a noticeable cloud of bluish smoke at the tail pipe. It will only last a few seconds but depending on how many stem guides are bad, you may see a rather large cloud.

 

i dont even know where the PCV is located on this engine
ive got an '11 i am looking after and should change that, it is definitely the original

 

Same thing...

 

I was going to mention if the VG seals are bad enough to use a qt in 1K mile you'll be seeing blue smoke on startup from the oil that seeped past the bad VG seals while sitting. Quite possibly there's a ring issue and/or crankcase ventilation.

The main PROBLEM with just adding oil periodically to a motor with a severe oil consumption issue is there's a chance that chore gets neglected sometime down the road. Don't bargain on the fact that you'll never forget to add oil, the downside will leave you stranded with a toasted motor.

 

PCV valves rarely fail on Toyota engines. If you take it off and find it clogged that's likely because you already have mechanical issues like blow-by and/or other sources of oil consumption.

A clogged pcv is a canary in a coal-mine that indicates bigger mechanical issues. Clogging doesn't cause oil consumption, it's a symptom of oil consumption

 

I agree. Need to find out what is causing the oil burning. How did the mechanic confirm it was valve stem seals? If it's valve stem seals then it will have a puff of smoke on start-up. If the issue turns out to be piston rings then try 4 OCI's of Valvoline Restore and Protect. Many people are seeing good results with it.

 

I'd do this. It's cheap enough to do, and you can easily do it yourself.

 

Op this is solid advice. I'd try this, and use the restore and protect oil in a heavier weight like 5w30.

Also how many qts of oil can you buy for 4k? I'd keep pouring oil in it before I spent 4k on an older truck.

Like the other posters said, if it the valves seals you will normally see alot of smoke on startup. I'd say its the rings and the above process may help the issue and slow your oil burning issue.

 

This. 1 quart is way too much. maybe your piston rings/engine are sludged- restore/protect may bail you out of an expensive engine job if you are lucky.