Interesting....

[solaratony]

Read this on the advanced auto parts website - im sure you all know these things, i just thought it was interesting.

Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Engine, the Charcoal Canister/Evaporative Solenoids and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Lift Sensor, 3.0 L Engine only. Failure of the Engine is caused because the engine oil gels. Engine oil gelling will also cause excessive engine oil usage. When proper maintenance schedules for oil changes are followed, oil gelling should not occur. Toyota has issued an 8 year unlimited mileage goodwill repair for this condition. Failure of the Charcoal Canister/ Evaporative Solenoids or the EGR Lift Sensor will cause the check engine light to illuminate.

Would have been nice to know these things 4 years ago huh? Oh well, my engine hasn't failed yet. Although i do believe it has the other problems. That would explain my cruddy mileage and ocasionally odd idle.

On another note, I am about to replace my oil pan gasket, will I be able to tell if i have oil sludge when I do that? Pardon my noobie-ness if that's been answered before.

[Jakecallun20]

You might have oil sludge a bit down in the crank case, but I'd be surprised. You'll have to crack open the valve covers to really find out.

[solaratony]

That's what I was afraid of. It needs a new gasket up there too. My list is getting bigger every month!