Used Tacoma, sludged engine

Hey there, folks.

I've got a used 09 RWD 2.7 here. My mother drives it and likes it alright. Procured at 45k miles just 3 years back now. It's had a vibration when stopped in drive. Got it inspected twice before purchase and they told me it was fine.. "it's a truck, it's supposed to vibrate."

Anyways, I just did an oil change and went to change the valve cover gasket to address a significant leak. That's when I found this:



As well as slack in the timing chain... Can I get some opinions on what I'm looking at and, well, what one of you would do in this kind of situation?

 

Looks like it had the factory oil in it when you got it at 45K

 

Are you replacing the spark plug tube gaskets, as well ?

 

That's why I use Marvel Mystery Oil on every oil change. Wish I could offer some advice, but I have no idea what your next step is.

 

Close it back up and drive it until it needs an engine.

You aren’t going to clean that with out pulling the engine.

Nothing you can do but drive.

 

Here's a thought at your own risk. Try adding a quart of diesel fuel to the oil and let it idle for about 10 minutes and then drain the oil. Change the oil filter. Reduce the next couple of oil and filter change intervals.

 

Multiple intervals of this.

A few companies make engine flush as well. Such as Amsoil. Except it take quite a few intervals of that too.

I have heard that transmission fluid mixed in the oil works as well. Due to the detergents.

Best bet though I think is going to be the diesel. I would only let it idle for a while though, versus driving. 10-15 minutes. Then drain and repeat. Then pull the valve cover and check.

I am sure there are some other acceptable hacks out there that other members may know.

 

I’d give HPL a try and to continue using their oil. It’s pricey but the reviews on it are pretty outstanding. They make a cleaner to use first. I’d also cut open the oil filter and examine. I’d also go to bob is the oil guy forums to do some research. The engine can be saved. Don’t use diesel fuel or atf as a flush. You can cause more damage. A slow clean is key.

 

That is strange. From the tiny bit I can see the valve stems look pretty clean. What I don’t understand is why is the gunk shit only around the timing chain area. Also a slack timing chain may become a major problem.

 

I've cleaned worse.

1qt ATF, rest good dino oil, like SuperTech, fresh filter, almost any is fine for this.

Drive for 50-100 miles in a way that has it up to operating temp. It can be multiple trips, but each should reach full temp.

Repeat, 250 miles.

Repeat, 1/2 qt ATF, 500 miles

Repeat, no ATF, 1000 miles

At that point it will be pretty clean, and you should be able to resume normal OCIs for the type driving you do.

The ATF won't hurt anything. It's made for higher temps and has more detergents. I use it as a first step to clean my hands when they are greasy black.

There's lots of detergent in the oil as well. It's why the process short cycles the changes, and fresh filters help with some of the pick up.

 

I'd also say it's more than likely still going to give you quite a but more miles but you are going to be in cleaning mode and always wondering for it's life. My vote, sell it and look for another. Maybe someone else's karma will catch up to them for not looking at oil. I had a gf that did this to a H2. I kept telling her it was way past and she put it off for a yr. so some people just can't be helped.
edit: Bill's on point.

 

That's true. On more topics that just vehicle maintenance. But I suppose that's why you use the past tense of 'had'.

 

I have not read through all the post.
But you need to keep in mind, that solvent cleaning the engine (diesel or others) may cause chunks to collect in the oil pan. If this happens, it can restrict flow at the oil pick up.

Should you attempt to clean it with solvents. Change the oil filter often.
That will fill up quickly.


Again, I may be repeating what others have said.

 

yeesh. Even if I'm not at the mileage interval, I still change my oil every spring.

 

Suck it out with a shop vac, change the oil more often. Chain is tensioned with oil pressure (engine running). Had 2 2.7 with over 300K on them.

 

Chain tensioner may or may not need to be pulled and cleaned. Depends how well the cocktail works.

 

How much do you use and why?

 

This. Use the Engine Clean first.

 

I’ve used this a couple times. Mine was purchased sludged too but I haven’t opened it to look, ignorance is bliss. Before using, I did a dump & fill, drove a couple weeks, then I followed the instructions. What came out was pretty nasty looking. After it’s running much better.

$20 Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush | 500 ml | Oil additive | SKU: 2037

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CR3RXTO?ie=UTF8

 

Marvel mystery oil thins the oil.