Burning Oil in Engine, Get Less 5 Quarts of Oil When Draining (Solved)

Hi, guys

I do oil changes in my 2007 Tacoma V6 since I've had it for several years and it takes about 5 quarts of oil to fill it up. I usually pump a little extra more than 5 quarts; however, when draining the oil, I get about 2.5 quarts of oil instead of 5 quarts of oil.

So, is this a problem I need to concern? (On some occasions, I idle my truck for 5-8 hours due to the job that I'm doing so idk if this burn the oil). Thank you for the help.

 

First off you need to check your oil more frequently.

Next do a read up on the pcv valve and check to make sure it’s flowing.

Blow by is rare on the v6 but it sure sounds like you have an issue.

Valve seals are possible but you’d have noticed the smoke by now.

 

+1

Check it often and check it the same way every time, that will get you consistent readings and then you'll know how quickly its dropping

Obviously you will lose some oil in the process, and of course the filter is full of oil, but if you are measuring only 2.5 qts out Id dig into it more

 

Idle is worst for piston ring sealing. Check and add oil more often. You should also change the oil more often due to blow-by contamination.

Burning oil tends to cook the catalytic converters sooner.

 

You never get all of the oil out when you change oil. And it is normal for the engine to use some. My truck is usually 1/2 to 1 full quart low by the time I get around to changing it. I use the dipstick to determine this. It would be normal to get only 4 1/2 quarts or a little less out. I always add 5 quarts.

I don't usually deal in partial quarts. If the oil is anywhere between the high and low marks on the dipstick all is good. When the oil level shows 1 quart low, then I add one full quart.

The only way to determine if your truck is using oil is to pull out the dipstick on a regular basis and check. It is normal to use 1 quart in 3000-5000 miles although a lot of newer vehicles will go a lot farther than 5000 miles before using a quart. It isn't usually a problem until you start using 1 quart at less than 2000 miles, some manufactures say 1 quart in 1000 miles.

The amount of time idling will mean you use more oil in fewer miles. After all if the engine is idling 8 hours that would normally be close to 500 miles @ 60 mph. The engine is running, but you're not driving any miles. Engine hours is really a better way to determine when to change oil anyway but few vehicles let you have access to that information.

If you're really only getting 2 1/2 quarts out that isn't good. That means you were at least 2 quarts low. It can sometimes be hard to accurately measure what you get out and it may in fact be more than you think.

You need to check your oil every few days to get a feel for exactly how much you're using. With all the idling you do 1 quart in 2000 miles wouldn't be bad. You just have to add more when it gets low.

 

How many miles between oil changes?

 

Separate of the above advice that is IMPORTANT…

Why do you need to run your truck at idle the entire work day?!? I would start questioning if you are better off buying a generator or GoalZero like electricity source if you are using the inverter for power.
If you are in and out of your truck to stay warm, then I would also suggest a diesel cab heater that can be had on Amazon for $150 and you can use kerosene.

I probably have more suggestions to keep you from wearing our your truck unnecessarily if you let us know the why.

 

My 2010 V6 is a 5.5 quart system with a filter change. If it's at the add mark on the dipstick you are at about 4.5 quarts allowing for the filter takes some. Keep it simple. I would think if you are only getting about 2.5 quarts out, the oil level isn't even marking on the dipstick. Like said above, you need to check your oil level more often.

I too don't like measuring in increments, but instead of leaving out a 1/2 quart, I added about a 1.25 inch to the steel oil pan. Know mine is a 6-quart system.

 

It’s basic math.
If it takes 5 quarts to fill it, you should get 5 quarts out.
Sure, some oil is expected to be lost due to the combustion, but not 2.5qts lost.

How many miles are on your engine?
How long between changes?

 

Mine doesn’t burn oil. I don’t excessive idle. If my job required that I’d consider getting a vehicle made for that like a diesel.

Replace the PCV valve. Check for leaks.

there are ways to check valve stem seals and piston rings. Compression test. Leakdown. Borescope.

make sure you’re using a good quality oil and changed on time. A shitty oil ran for a long time is easier to burn more.

drain at 5k is not the way to find out the level is low. Periodic checks and top offs if you know it’s losing level. To avoid running it dry on top of that causing more damage.

check the tailpipe for evidence of burning oil. This also eventually kills cats and triggers catalyst inefficiency code.

 

What type of job would require you to idle the truck for 5 - 8 hours? If its for the inverter power you would be better off getting a small generator.

 

I just recently replaced the PVC valve.

 

Around 4000-5000 miles with Kirkland full-synthetic oil.

 

I'm a security, so I have to leave the engine on idling. I'll be dying in the summer if the engine is off.

 

Long idling is for a cheap fleet P71 you don’t give a shit about.

someone mentioned goal zero
Theres portable AC’s out now
Even some cars are switching to AC powered electrically.

 

160k miles on the engine. This is what my engine look like when I was replacing the valve cover gasket in 2023. I'm not saying my engine is perfect but comparing some people posting on YouTube when doing engine flush, I would say my engine is kinda clean when comparing to those in the video. If idling a lot, I'll change it at 3000 miles, if not, then I'll change it at 4000-5000 miles.

 

Sounds like you should get an EV. Or a portable AC/heater:
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/wave-2-portable-air-conditioner

It will pay for itself in the gas savings and wear and tear on the truck.

 

Tarnishing doesn’t mean oil burning.

this high mileage 1gr had no oil burning at all and looks much worse than yours.

carbon on ring lands is not something you can see

 

I do think like others have mentioned checking your oil more often would be a good idea, actually a good idea is to check it every time you fill up your gas tank that way you won’t forget. If when draining your oil you really only have 2.5 quarts come out that is not a good way to extend the life of your motor

 

If you are idling that much, I’d suggest installing an hour meter and changing the oil at like every 150 hours or something.

I gotta know- what’s your average MPG like?