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Excessive Oil Consumption in Trueno GT-Apex 1991

The car is Toyota Trueno GT-Apex 1991. It has 236,000km on it. It needs topping up with 1 liter of oil after approximately 3 to 4 hundred kilometers driving.

Is there any way to deduce whether it's the valve guides, valve seals or piston rings (or something else) without taking it apart? Am hoping it is something cheap and easy, but the high km's would suggest otherwise?

There are no oil leaks on the ground, it doesn't seem to smoke under normal driving conditions, but it does put out a lot of blue smoke at higher rpm's (over 6000 rpm). There is some leakage of oil coming out of the seals on the top of the head. On cold nights it smokes for 10ish minutes after start-up, but is hard to tell what colour the smoke is. (Is assumed it is the oil again).

Have gone from 15-40 to 20-50, but has had only 1 liter in it so far. Would the thicker grade make a noticeable difference over time? How about some kind of oil additive?

Reply to
ridge_rockfield
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If there is more bluish or grey smoke at startup after sitting for several hours than when the engine is warmed up, then the valve guide seals are suspect.

If there is more bluish or grey smoke under hard acceleration, then the piston rings are suspect. A cylinder leak-down compression and leak-down check can provide further clues as to the condition of the rings.

If the coolant has oil mixed in or if the motor oil has a milkshake appearance, then there can be a head or head gasket problem.

Higher viscosity oil may reduce oil consumption if the problem is with valve guide seals or piston rings, depending on the condition of the seals and rings. I am not a big fan of oil additives.

Reply to
Ray O

================ Check for a restricted PCV valve

Reply to
nospampls2002

Is there oil on the frame near the oil pan?

I am assuming you have the 4A-GE engine that was in the '84 and up Truenos (Corolla GT-S here in the states). Mine had oil pan bolts that were coming loose. I tighten them about every 30,000 miles. It also happened on the car before that one, an '80 TE72. That's where I first noticed the oil. When I started losing a quart every 7-900 miles with the GT-S, I found the pan bolts were loose.

Reply to
Hachiroku

Thanks to all who replied. The coolant looks fine, so can theoretically eliminate a head gasket problem. And there is no leak evident in the engine bay other than a small bit on the top of the head. A minimal amount - not looking like a quart every 250 odd miles.

Unfortunately the car isn't worth enough to justify any moderate to large spend on the engine. Especially given other Warrant Of Fitness (roadworthiness certificate) bits and pieces that need doing. Used Japanese imports are very cheap to pick up in this country. There are no tariffs on them (no local car industry in New Zealand to protect).

It will be a shame to let this piece of 'Toyota Sprinter' lineage die. As an aside it is indeed a 4A-GE, 1600cc DOHC. I might try to find a leak down gauge and test the cylinders. Who knows, they might surprise and check out fine. But the signs do seem to point towards worn piston rings.

Thanks again...

Reply to
ridge_rockfield

Now, you aren't Nick, are you?

Reply to
Hachiroku

Nah, thats not me...

Reply to
ridge_rockfield

Aw, well. Nick is a sorely missed (By me, anyway) member of our group from a few years ago. He spoke with the wisdom of a guy I know who has been rebuilding Toys for 30 years; imagine my surprise when I learned he was 19!!! I'm almost 50 and I don't know as much as Nick does! He is from NZ also; has a Fiero (Pontiac) converted for RHD.

Well, welcome aboard!

Reply to
Hachiroku

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