Hello all,
I would greatly appreciate any advice on my situation. To sum it up, I bought an IS250 2008 RWD with 126,000 miles as my first car last summer car, ended up getting screwed over and discovered car had a build up of engine problems, oil leaks, water pump, major carbon build up etc classic issues of an un-maintained engine. Anyway I figured I should just bite the bullet put some money into fixing the engine, I went to my trusted family mechanic and following his advice this is the bulk of what I did;

- replaced valve covers, intake manifold, timing Gaskets
- walnut blasted valves/ cleaned throttle body
- spark plugs
- timing chain
- water pump
- belt and tensioner
- Camshaft/ Oil pan R&R
- Ac recharge
- PCV valve and Solenoid
- Drained and Replaced Coolant, Transmission, brake, differential fluids.

Around 1300ish miles after these repairs I got hit with a low oil warning, and discovered that the car burns a-lot of oil. I then started looking into 4gr-fse and realized how this is a common issue among many but not at the level I am burning which has been a consistent 1qt every 1200 miles. I am positive that the piston rings are the culprit since I am not leaking oil and I have replaced the PCV. I am not sure where to continue from here? I have heard a lot of different stuff such as the rings could be stuck due to the excessive carbon buildup, the rings are just worn, and or the cylinder walls could be damaged. Should I try an oil additive or a “ring free” product? I know replacing the rings is very expensive and I don’t know if it’s worth it at this point or I should just keep topping it up with oil and keep the oil change intervals every 3000-4000 miles. Also note I have not done a compression test on the cylinders yet.

I would appreciate any advice or insight, Thanks.

Shea

 

Where are you located? Try Valvoline Restore and Protect motor oil. I got it from Rock Auto. Haven't used it yet but I expect good results.

 

I am located in South west Florida, I will have to give that a try during my next change. Currently using Mobil 1 high mileage.

 

I had success with high mileage stopping a leak on my 2zz.

 

Search the web for "Yamaha Ring-free" for another idea.

 

I have heard that might work, but I’m hesitant to try it because I’ve also heard oil additives can cause new issues.