I am at school right now, when I get back home I will add more pictures to support my claims of misery. If you need better pictures for me to take, let me know in a reply and I will try to get back to you in the most convenient time.
So in the last three weeks, my oil consumption for my 2002 Corolla (1zz-fe, VVT-i) has jumped from 1 quart burned per one thousand miles to a alarming 1 quart per two hundred miles. However for two entire years (actually two and a half) I have been fully aware of the piston ring issue and did every preventative measure to stop it.
Now I have religiously changed the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles in each interval, but in some cases, as early as 2000 miles. My current mileage is just over 170,900 miles.
I have changed the cheap $6 PCV Valve just two days ago but I still no improvement. Here is a before and after set of pictures.
I checked the spark plugs, and there is still yet, no oil fouling at all. I will show you a prettier picture when I get back tonight, or about 11 hours from as of right now. These are the cheap aftermarket spark plugs that are compatible with Corollas from Autozone (a store I seriously hate).
For good measure I used this cheap half-assed floor jack and jackstands to take pictures of the oil pan and transmission housing
Oil pan, drain-plug area. I took it at this angle because everything else about the oil pan seemed insignificant, except this HIDEOUS LOOKING goddamn dent! Maybe it is affecting the ability for my car to pump oil?
Transmission/Transaxle housing. HOLY HELL WHAT IS THAT DOOKIE-PINK STUFF?!? Is that like... burnt transmission fluid? I was also told it could be some sort of gasket sealant mechanics nowadays use.
Also since two years ago I have switched to high mileage oil, Pennzoil High Mileage 5W-30.
What options do I have now?
1. I am considering a offer from the Toyota Dealership to "pump solvent" through the system. But I just read a article questioning the effectiveness of this.
http://justtryus.blogspot.com/2007/12/bonehead-award-engine-oil-flush.html?m=1
2. But I have also heard of DIY tricks like the "MMO Piston Soak". Which is something I am not comfortable performing myself. Apparently a ton of white smoke would be everywhere.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2487632
3. And someone (my Toyota Service Manager two years ago) suggested to me that using a "synthetic blend" would help reduce the oil consumption rate (apparently higher burning point). But I read from several sources (conflicting actually, between oil manufacturers and internet car mechanics) that EITHER "nothing bad will happen" or "your gaskets will blow" from sudden rises in oil pressure as well as the pressure revealing formerly concealed leaks that were blocked by the crud in the motor.
Please don't tell me that I gotta go get my piston rings replaced for a exorbitant amount of money, due to a manufacturing oversight that will cost me thousands of dollars. I did read about buying crate engines from Monkey Wrench Racing, and I took a peek at their website and thought they offer very nice rebuilt used motors with a guarantee that the rings are not crap. But... I am not done finding more economic methods to fix it.
So in the last three weeks, my oil consumption for my 2002 Corolla (1zz-fe, VVT-i) has jumped from 1 quart burned per one thousand miles to a alarming 1 quart per two hundred miles. However for two entire years (actually two and a half) I have been fully aware of the piston ring issue and did every preventative measure to stop it.
Now I have religiously changed the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles in each interval, but in some cases, as early as 2000 miles. My current mileage is just over 170,900 miles.
I have changed the cheap $6 PCV Valve just two days ago but I still no improvement. Here is a before and after set of pictures.
I checked the spark plugs, and there is still yet, no oil fouling at all. I will show you a prettier picture when I get back tonight, or about 11 hours from as of right now. These are the cheap aftermarket spark plugs that are compatible with Corollas from Autozone (a store I seriously hate).
For good measure I used this cheap half-assed floor jack and jackstands to take pictures of the oil pan and transmission housing
Oil pan, drain-plug area. I took it at this angle because everything else about the oil pan seemed insignificant, except this HIDEOUS LOOKING goddamn dent! Maybe it is affecting the ability for my car to pump oil?
Transmission/Transaxle housing. HOLY HELL WHAT IS THAT DOOKIE-PINK STUFF?!? Is that like... burnt transmission fluid? I was also told it could be some sort of gasket sealant mechanics nowadays use.
Also since two years ago I have switched to high mileage oil, Pennzoil High Mileage 5W-30.
What options do I have now?
1. I am considering a offer from the Toyota Dealership to "pump solvent" through the system. But I just read a article questioning the effectiveness of this.
http://justtryus.blogspot.com/2007/12/bonehead-award-engine-oil-flush.html?m=1
2. But I have also heard of DIY tricks like the "MMO Piston Soak". Which is something I am not comfortable performing myself. Apparently a ton of white smoke would be everywhere.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2487632
3. And someone (my Toyota Service Manager two years ago) suggested to me that using a "synthetic blend" would help reduce the oil consumption rate (apparently higher burning point). But I read from several sources (conflicting actually, between oil manufacturers and internet car mechanics) that EITHER "nothing bad will happen" or "your gaskets will blow" from sudden rises in oil pressure as well as the pressure revealing formerly concealed leaks that were blocked by the crud in the motor.
Please don't tell me that I gotta go get my piston rings replaced for a exorbitant amount of money, due to a manufacturing oversight that will cost me thousands of dollars. I did read about buying crate engines from Monkey Wrench Racing, and I took a peek at their website and thought they offer very nice rebuilt used motors with a guarantee that the rings are not crap. But... I am not done finding more economic methods to fix it.
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