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white smoke
We have a 2001 Sienna XLE and it has had no problems until now. We are experiencing a lot of white smoke from the exhaust at start-ups, not while driving. Is this one of the "symptoms" of the sludge problem. With 65,000 commute miles, I thought this was unusually early for a blown head gasket??
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First off, replace the PCV valve, especially if it has never been replaced.
A plugged PCV vavle will create moisture problems in the crankcase, which can in turn create moisture problems in the exhaust.
Also, does the white smoke smell sweet? If not, it isn't likely it is a blown headgasket.
But, you will need to have the cooling system tested for combustion gases. The kit to check it is available from NAPA for about $45
This is the tester.
By all means check for sludge and service the PCV valve.
Oil sludge really can't harm a head gasket directly, as it just sits there like meat in a sandwich.
This prompted me to call the sludge hotline number and advised me to have the van inspected at the nearest toyota dealer. So last Friday, i drove 200 miles to the nearest toyota dealer which offer free inspection and they said that theres nothing wrong with the engine and it seems everything was in normal operating condition.
Presently, i think the engine is still in good running condition except for the above mentioned observations.
Does anyone here have the same problem as i have? If you do, what are the things we can do to address the problem. Because to tell you honestly, I'm not really impressed by the result that the dealer gave me about my engine (how can they explain about the smoke and carbon deposit?). For years, my family owned several toyotas with more than 250K miles on each one and they still are running smoothly as ever and I really wanted to keep my Sienna for a long time.
So my impression about the Special Service Program of Toyota in addressing the sludge problem is that, they wont fix the engine if the problem is just starting. Your van should be the worst case scenario in sludge problem if you want them to fix it.
Again, since my problem wont be addressed by anyone but myself, what are the things i can do to fix the problem??? Like I said, I really wanted to keep the van for a long time. Thanks.
The blue smoke is another matter but again doesn't have to relate to sludge. It could be worn valve stem seals for instance, which is not unusual for 65K, it's certainly possible.
I don't really understand what the motive would be for the dealer to "hide" a sludge problem. They get paid to fix it.
It would have been better for you to have examined the engine when they removed the valve covers and checked for sludge. They should have offered to show this to you and you should have suggested that you witness it.
Anyway, about all you can do now is ask them to do it again and show you the evidence. You might have to pay for this, but if you want peace of mind this may be the way.
But get the "carbon" thing out of your head. Dead end, wrong diagnostic evidence.
The blue smoke is real and could mean something--but we don't know what yet.
It shows a PCV valve for the vehicle.
PCV Valve Part number 1220420010
If you are looking at the engine, the oposite side of the throttle body, tucked down below the ground strap is the PCV hose. Follow the brake booster hose to the manifold and the PCV hose should be just below that. THen you should be able to follow the hose to the PCV Valve. I am not certain on that engine, but it may be one that is threaded in.
Regarding Toyota dealerships making money off of fixing sludged engines, does anyone know what the deal is between Toyota and the dealerships on this? It is not a traditional warranty, it is a policy. Just speculation on my part, but there may be some disincentives to fixing the sludged engines to keep the costs down.
More importantly, are the oil changes you list the only two that were done or the only two that you can prove? Many places keep computer records of oil changes and they may be able to help you if you have lost some receipts.
Good luck to you and let us know what happens.
If anything I would think dealers are being encouraged to facilitate sludge repair and are being monitored by the factory to do it right.
Of course, customers have to follow the guidelines for maintenance, so without good records there may be some difficulties for the owner there.
So right now, I guess what can I do is to change the oil and filter in a shorter interval than before. By the way 0patience, could you please describe again on how to find and replace the PCV valve on a 1998 Sienna? Im planning to replace that part this coming weekend and from what I read from your previous message, you were describing the process from a 2000 model. Thanks.
This time the second word out of their mouths was we need all you oil change receipts. Then they acted like they'd never seen anything quite like this but would check it out.
Right now my valve seals are being replaced at a cost of $2,660. I told the guy my warranty would cover it...even if I need a judge to tell him so. They haven't said it wouldn't cover me yet, but its clear that's where they are going.
All kinds of questions here!
if not, you might have a minor issue fixed and the major one unfixed.