After debating on what forum to post this in, I settled here. If it’s better suited for another, feel free to move. Thanks.
Now, some background.
Last Monday, I started my 1996 Toyota 4Runner to go to work, and I noticed a tiny puff of blue smoke coming from the exhaust. “Hmm,” I thought to myself, “that’s not a good thing. Maybe I imagined it.”
No more smoke during the day.
Same thing happened Tuesday and Wednesday- small puff of blue smoke on startup, but never again throughout the day.
On Wednesday, I called my local Toyota dealership and scheduled a service appointment for the following Tuesday.
No smoke on Thursday.
Friday morning, I notice some oil underneath my 4Runner, but again, no smoke. After I got home from work, I searched for the oil leak and discovered that it was coming from the breather (oil was also in the air filter, but just at the very bottom).
So, I call Toyota and move my appointment to Monday.
After leaving the 4Runner parked all weekend, I drive to the dealership bright and early Monday morning and drop it off for them to check it. Several hours go by, then I get a phone call from the technician that tells me I need a new engine due to sludge.
A $7200 new engine.
WTF??!
No warning signs, no “check engine” or “check oil” lights. No hesitation. Absolutely no signs of a problem at all.
I change my oil regulary, get regular tuneups, etc.
This was a shock.
So, has anyone else experienced this problem, and what would you do in my situation? So far, I’ve got one other opinion and they say they can probably repair my engine and clean it up for about $3500, which is better than $7K, but still.
Why the hell did my engine have a heart attack?