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Hey guys. Long time watcher/reader, first time poster.
I’ve been shopping for a first or second gen Toyota Sienna recently, and today I found a pretty nice 2001 with 250k (more importantly, in my price range). It starts right up and purrs, and all fluids/belts/hoses look good. There is no exhaust on start up, but a few white puffs once warmed up.
My main concern is the appearance under the oil cap. I’m including an (updated) link to picture: http://imgbox.com/IghOzMe1
I’ve heard people say it’s just the filter/baffles, but this one just looks a little sketchy. There is also what appears to be rust (?) floating around in there. Can I be sure this is rust? Would you trust this as a purchase, assuming all the other vital signs are good and the engine hums?
He said he serviced the PCV valve because it was stopped up or leaking or something, and he had experienced a hesitating of the engine. When I asked him about it further he didn’t elaborate. He did not service the Throttle body / IAC valve, but he did change the Air Filter and all fluids. So I’m just worried that there’s sludge in the engine, and I’m seeing a glimpse of it under the cap.
The maintenance history is perfect up until 185k miles, where it was sold to a dealership and spent 4 years and 60k miles, and they only checked into Carfax to report a yearly re-registration. My other question is this: Is that normal? Would a dealership be liable to change their own oil, but not report it? Could that be the reason the PCV valve needed replaced?
I would really appreciate some help here, I’m supposed to decide on this thing by tonight. Another interested party waiting in line. Thanks guys.
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Hey guys. Long time watcher/reader, first time poster.
I’ve been shopping for a first or second gen Toyota Sienna recently, and today I found a pretty nice 2001 with 250k (more importantly, in my price range). It starts right up and purrs, and all fluids/belts/hoses look good. There is no exhaust on start up, but a few white puffs once warmed up.
This maybe due to condensation or a more serious issue.My main concern is the appearance under the oil cap. I’m including an (updated) link to picture: http://imgbox.com/IghOzMe1
Agreed, that is not pretty.I’ve heard people say it’s just the filter/baffles, but this one just looks a little sketchy. There is also what appears to be rust (?) floating around in there. Can I be sure this is rust? Would you trust this as a purchase, assuming all the other vital signs are good and the engine hums?
[color=#0088ff]You could get a magnetic pickup tool and slide it into the buildup then place it into a cup of cleaning solution to wash away the oil.
What’s left on the magnet would be any metal (rust)
I would suggest you take it to a qualified mechanic and have a through inspection
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He said he serviced the PCV valve because it was stopped up or leaking or something, and he had experienced a hesitating of the engine. When I asked him about it further he didn’t elaborate. He did not service the Throttle body / IAC valve, but he did change the Air Filter and all fluids. So I’m just worried that there’s sludge in the engine, and I’m seeing a glimpse of it under the cap.
[color=#0088ff]Dependent on how the vehicle was maintained and with 250K on it, sludge build up can occur in as little as 25k – 30k
[/color]The maintenance history is perfect up until 185k miles, where it was sold to a dealership and spent 4 years and 60k miles, and they only checked into Carfax to report a yearly re-registration. My other question is this: Is that normal? Would a dealership be liable to change their own oil, but not report it? Could that be the reason the PCV valve needed replaced?
[color=#0088ff]I assuming the vehicle was used by the dealership, in which case I again assume it was a “shop “car or loaner.
How well they maintained it is any ones guess, but you might inquire to the dealership.
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I would really appreciate some help here, I’m supposed to decide on this thing by tonight. Another interested party waiting in line. Thanks guys.
[color=#0088ff]It is never good to be pressured into making a decision.
Obviously you have concerns, and with a short time frame to decide with out having the vehicle properly inspected would be a done in poor judgement.
IMHO, even though it appears to be a “great deal” I would pass on it.FWIW:
This is what a properly maintained 15 year old engine looks like under the valve covers:[/color]The toyota 1ZZ-FE (3.0L) was a good engine, but known for oil gelling issues (sludge).
I would not consider buying it until at least i could get a look under the valve cover…
Here is a link that has some great information…
Thanks alot guys, I’m going to take this to a shop today before I buy. They recommended replacing the valve cover gasket while we’re at it instead of reinstalling the old one. Is basically any amount of sludge a deal-breaker? It seems like I’ve seen a continuum between hard buildup and toxic black goo, are they both equally bad in any measure?
I’m considering buying a tester kit to test the oil for contaminants, (seeing that little yellowish blob floating in the oil in picture) any suggestions?
Here’s a video of it running. I’m thinking it sounds pretty good for 250k: https://vid.me/k9Mm
Some sludge can be expected as old as it is, you would prefer it to be as clean as possible. The real concern is clogged oil passages and clogged oil pickup tube screen. When those have issues you can really shorten the life of the engine.
The condition of the engine can also improve your bargaining position. If it is real bad, it may need a thorough cleaning as shown in the link, and the level he goes is no easy task. Hence some $$$$.
I recommend you ask the tech his opinion based on what he sees and get a recommendation from him.
Good luck
Karl
I had a look under the front valve cover and it was nice and clean, regular oil, no sludge or buildup at all. No metal shavings or coolant. It’s nice to have the peace of mind. I don’t think I could have forgiven myself if I bought a sludged up POS. Thanks again guys.
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