What to Do About Oil Burning in an Older Highlander 2.7?
2 Answers
Using fuel additives, engine repair, or changing the oil can help. It refers to oil entering the engine's combustion chamber and participating in combustion along with the mixture in the chamber. It can severely damage the vehicle's oxygen sensor, leading to increased carbon deposits, unstable idling, poor acceleration, and higher fuel consumption.
I have an old Highlander 2.7 that I've driven for over a decade, and it has experienced oil burning. Sharing some insights: Oil burning is mainly due to engine aging, such as worn piston rings or leaking valve stem seals, causing oil to be drawn into the combustion chamber and consumed. First, check the dipstick to see if the oil level drops too quickly; blue smoke from the exhaust pipe is a clear sign. If it's only minor, try switching to a higher-viscosity full synthetic oil—it reduces friction, and some repair additives can temporarily alleviate wear. However, if the issue is severe, take it to a repair shop for inspection—you might need to replace aging parts like seals or the PCV valve. Don’t delay, or engine damage could cost more. Regular maintenance can prevent this issue—just changing the oil filter and air filter helps.