[Burning oil]

2 minutes ago, TSUBulldog12 said:

Okay so I did have another mechanic take a look at it and he also came to the conclusion that it was not burning or leaking oil. I had him test drive it and look over everything before he changed the transmission fluid and spark plugs. I’ve only drove about 60 miles since my last oil change and it’s been showing full. Now flash forward to today I started the engine and this flew out of the exhaust. It didn’t smell like oil or feel like it so I think it’s carbon and water. Any ideas on what this means? It’s been sitting for almost a month since I’ve been slowly repairing water damage in the back wall. I know having it sit is bad, but I can’t drive it with the back wall out. 

Also after that shot out there was some light grey/white smoke as well.

[Burning oil]

Okay so I did have another mechanic take a look at it and he also came to the conclusion that it was not burning or leaking oil. I had him test drive it and look over everything before he changed the transmission fluid and spark plugs. I’ve only drove about 60 miles since my last oil change and it’s been showing full. Now flash forward to today I started the engine and this flew out of the exhaust. It didn’t smell like oil or feel like it so I think it’s carbon and water. Any ideas on what this means? It’s been sitting for almost a month since I’ve been slowly repairing water damage in the back wall. I know having it sit is bad, but I can’t drive it with the back wall out. 

[Hole patch]

So my 1985 escaper has a hole in the vinyl of the overcab area. It’s on the underside so I think it’s from water damage. Does anyone know how to patch this up? 

[Burning oil]

I told them I was willing to put a couple thousand into it mechanically, but to me it seems like they don’t want to do the work and those aren’t the kind of people I want working on my vehicle anyway. 

[Burning oil]

So I got the new fuel pump in finally and the compression test done. The mechanic said everything looked great and he just recommends an oil change since the oil looked really old and gross. and new spark plugs. They also cleaned out the gas tank because it was also gross. I asked them what was happening to the oil that I put in the engine if all I needed was an oil change and I didn’t really understand the answer. I also didn’t ask for the specific numbers on the compression test (I forgot). I’m getting the oil changed and then I’m going to seal the roof before I take it to a different mechanic in town. This place didn’t seem that interested in repairing my escaper since I brought it in over a week ago. As crazy as it sounds I think they might be telling me everything is great just so they don’t have to work on my RV. 

[Burning oil]

2 hours ago, tstockma said:

BTW....jumping ahead & assuming this engine comes through without rebuild...  The "new owner checklist" post is pretty darned good.   It's in this same "Engines - Transmissions - etc" forum as your post.

 

I have 2 supplemental comments to that discussion.  These apply to actions your mechanic is about to take.
- I myself highly recommend Mobil1 High Mileage synthetic, it's got the famed "ZDDP" additive which keep these engines happy & that oil is really good at keeping seals working - but once you start using it, do not switch to anything else, the seals can then dry up without the specific additives in this oil.  Especially good for your engine which sat all those years without being used.
- I also highly recommend you change (or pay to have changed) the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) but DO NOT "drop pan & clean screen", instead drain thru the drain hole, refill, drive 100-100 miles, repeat, drive 500-1000 miles, repeat.  This is the kinder, gentler way to flush out, hopefully without loosening crud in a way that clogs something up & ruins the tranny.  (Plenty of good brands out there, I particularly like "Valvoline Maxlife Hi Mileage ATF").

 

Your photos looks fabulous, esp interior - but your RV's systems (just like your engine) sat for 11 years & seals etc dry up.  Do a good check for safety on all gas appliances including generator, furnace, water heater, etc.

 

Keeping my fingers crossed for ya....welcome to the club of aging Toyota RV owners!

 

What weight of oil do you recommend? I saw a big debate going on in another post on this site about it and I currently have 10w-40

[Burning oil]

Okay thanks everyone I already feel like a much more informed customer and I just called the shop to get a quote on the compression and leak down test. I’m hoping it can be done the same day (Monday) the new fuel pump is going in. The mechanic told me yesterday he is clearing the day to only work on my Toyota. Once I get the numbers I’ll upload the information here too. 

[Burning oil]

Thanks for the encouragement! The shop working on it has been used by my gfs family for generations so I think they’ll do a good job. Could you shed some light on what the compression ratings mean/ what’s good what’s bad? The test hasn’t been done I’d just like to be able to talk to the mechanic and understand him better.

[Burning oil]

I guess I just feel like an idiot for not knowing enough about trucks/cars even though I did months of research and saw multiple RVs and Toyota RVs before buying this one. 

[Burning oil]

So I just bought a 1985 Toyota Escaper with a 4 cylinder 22RE and 100k miles on it. I was able to drive about 150 mi from the sellers house to a pit stop at my parents with no problems and almost no oil burnt. There is no plume of smoke that comes from the tail pipe only the smell of oil being burnt. The next day I had to drive 240 mi to get the RV back to my house. I stopped and checked the oil 15 mi into my 240 mi trip and it was still at a decent level. I avoided major highways and only went 55 mph max. With only 23 miles left in my trip the engine started to make an awful sound as I was pulling into the gas station and the dip stick did not register and oil. I had to put in nearly 3 quarts for it to be at an operable level again. There were never any visible leaks on the sellers driveway or my parents. How is it possible for it to be burning this much oil? It’s currently in the shop and once I get a new fuel pump put in (which gave out on the trip) the mechanic is going to do a compression and leak down test. The vehicle also has every piece of paper documenting all service from 1985-2009 and has been in one family. Original owners gave it to their daughter in 2009. Only 10k miles were put on it since 2009. I really thought I was getting a well taken care of vehicle.