Sometimes when I start my 94' GS3 in the morning, you can hear that there is low oil pressure in the engine and then the pressure increases to normal. I know for a fact that this is bad as it contributes to increased engine wear. However, I am not sure if this is normal. I am new to Toyotas. When I used to work at Jiffy Lube, you would hear this on a lot of domestic engines and some 22-Rs and 22-REs. Perhaps the same is true with the newer Toyota engines. I don't think that the oil filter drains out because it has a anti-drainback valve and is also mounted such that the oil should not drain out. Thoughts?

 

How many miles? Any smoke or drop in oil level between changes?

I had a 93 SC3 5 spd which I sold to a partner at 93k miles. I noticed a small amount of valve clatter at startup years. It is true that approx 80% of engine wear occurs at startup but considering how robust these motors are and how close the tolerances are, I don't think you'll have any oil consumption issues before 200k, at least.

Long ago, and not on this forum, I read about an electric supplemental oil pump that could be installed and would lubricate the top end of the motor prior to startup when key first turned. But it wasn't cheap, wasn't (for most folks) a DIY, and would probably void the warranty. Considering how long modern IC engines last with reasonable maintainence, it's probably long gone from the market for lack of sales.

 

Try usually FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL 10w-30 (Not a blend) if the car has more then 80k and see what happens! Run it for 500 miles, drain it and do it again. It helped on a friends car that was a non lexus. It helps lubricate the engine better!