I’ve got a Camry with the 2AZ-FE engine, and like many others, it’s started burning oil. The car is at 135,000 miles, and I check and top it off weekly.
I’ve been using 5w-20 in winter and 5w-30 in summer. Aside from rebuilding the pistons, what are some ways I can keep it running longer? Are there any additives or tricks that might help?
Get a short block replacement. That’s the only real solution.
Max said:
Get a short block replacement. That’s the only real solution.
Exactly. The issue isn’t just the low-tension rings—it’s that they get clogged with carbon, which polishes off the cylinder wall crosshatch. Fixing the rings alone won’t solve it because you can’t restore the crosshatch that way. That’s why Toyota’s original fix of just replacing the pistons didn’t work. The real fix is replacing the short block.
Here’s a trick: change the oil and add a quart of transmission fluid, then drive it for a few days before changing the oil again. The detergents in the transmission fluid can help clean out the sludge sticking to the rings. It’s worth a try before considering a new engine.
The main issue is the low-tension rings getting gunked up and not moving freely, not that the engine itself is worn out.
Some people have had success with a Berryman’s soak process—there are videos on YouTube about how to do it. Also, the new Valvoline Restore and Protect oil is gaining popularity online. It’s supposed to clean out your engine over four oil changes. It costs about $30 for 5 quarts at Walmart, so it’s priced similarly to other premium synthetic oils, and Valvoline is a trusted brand. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m considering it to clean out my engine, even though my Corolla only burns about 1/2 quart every 4,000 miles. It seems like a less aggressive method compared to others.
I tried the B12 soak overnight on our 2002 Camry with 240,000 miles. It reduced oil consumption for about 5,000 miles, but by the time I changed the oil, the problem was back. Compression on all cylinders was still good, between 175-195 psi.
I have a 2008 Camry that loses a couple of quarts every 1,000 miles, but it still passes the emissions test every two years. Has anyone here tried the Valvoline oil that was mentioned?
Honestly, just get a new car. I’ve got an ‘09 Camry with 175,000 miles, and I mostly use it for short trips or as a backup. I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth out of it, and I plan to drive it until it completely dies.