Hello my friends,

I just purchased a 2000 avalon.41,567 miles and just learned of the sludge problem. How can i check to see if my avalon is developing this problem? or was this problem in the past. To prevent this sludge do you recommend a special type of oil say mobile (drive your engine clean?) or must i take it to the dealer to change my oil?


thanks

im new to the fourm

No, you cannot I repeat CANNOT allow your Avalon to go exteneded periods without oil changes :headshake. Get your oil changed every 3000mil, and please use Mobil1. There isn't a synthetic oil that is better, and your car will reward you later with long engine life. In addition I get my engine flushed twice a year, just to keep it squeaky clean. :thumbsup:

I don't usually go to the dealer because they charge way too much and Jiffy Lube get's me in and out and is cheaper then the dealer. You can't reall check per'se, but you'll notice a drop in performance if there is a problem. But there shouldn't be because you have a 00, don't worry about that you should be just fine. :boink:

Yes the 2000 is one of the sludge generation Avalons. Signs of sludge are the check engine light coming on, smoke in exhaust upon the first start up after sitting for several hours, heavy use of oil, and sometimes there are visible signs on the dipstick. The only way to positively check for sludge is to have the valve cover pulled (I recommend anyone considering purchase of a 1997 - 2002 Toyota paying to have this done before you buy). If you have any one of the symptoms Toyota is supposed to pull the valve cover for free to check for sludge. Then the repair is free for 8 years and unlimited miles if you have sludge.

To get the sludge fix, you must show proof of maintenance. Even though you aren't required to go to the dealer for maintenance (it is actually against warranty laws for them to require dealer service unless they provide it for free) it is a good idea. Some people have been accused of falsifying receipts or Toyota claims that Jiffy Lube or whoever must have not really changed the oil. They are stuck if they did the maintenance.

If you don't have any of the signs, I wouldn't worry too much. I would be meticulous with all maintenance, keep all records, use synthetic oil, and I would check the oil level at least once per week so you can catch it if it starts consuming oil.

Hope this helps.