Why does my Premio consume a lot of engine oil?

Hi Paul, I own a Toyota Premio 1998 model with 1800cc engine. It’s oil consumption is abnormal yet the vehicle exhaust only emits the normal colour less smoke. The vehicle engine also makes a rattling sound when you step on the gas pedal or race the engine slightly. The engine idling rests at 8000 rpm which I am told is the normal level but the vehicle vibrates at idling yet its throttle meter and bushes have been checked and are okay. What could be the problem? Steven. M.

Hello Steven, your Toyota Premio seems to have two outstanding problems. Unexplained loss of engine oil and erratic unstable engine idling or poor performance at acceleration.

Whereas engine oil loss is usually associated with damaged engine piston rings and oil burning in the combustion system, occasionally engine oil loss may be a result of leakages around the engine. It is important to ensure that potential oil leaking points such as the engine oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, spark plugs seals.

Front and rear crank shaft seals are intact and not leaking oil. Sometimes, a sludge blocked or damaged engine crankcase ventilation system will leak oil which tends to smudge at the top of the engine. Damaged spark plug oil seals will cause poor engine performance because they douse the spark plugs with oil and this affects the strength of the spark. This could lead to a misfire or poor engine performance mentioned above.

To address the erratic engine idling or engine rattle when you accelerate, you will need to replace the fuel filter, in case you have not recently done that. A clogged long life fuel filter will reduce fuel pressure as it restricts the flow rate. This can also damage your fuel pump in the long run.

Whilst your engine idle speed is okay, the acceleration power may be curtailed by the restricted fuel pressure or retarded spark. Get a good mechanic to look into those two areas to establish that all is well or rectify accordingly.

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What could be wrong with my BMW?

Dear Paul, my BMW has recently developed unstable engine idle. We have changed spark plugs, air cleaner, fuel filter and checked the coils but failed to find the cause. What do you think is faulty?
Phillip

Hello Phillip, your BMW seems to have an erratic idling fault. Your mechanic needs to rule out any engine vacuum leak along the air intake tunnel and all vacuum pipes.

Also, check for any faults related to the idle air control valve or idle speed control valve (idling stabiliser). This valve regulates the engine idle speed by controlling the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate in cars with a fuel injection system.

This feature adjusts the engine idling speed as required. The performance of the IAC valve is usually affected by accumulation of soot or carbon due to age or use of poor quality petrol. Symptoms of failure include erratic idling or intermittent engine surge and stalling. This valve can be cleaned with petrol or a carburetor cleaner by a qualified car repair technician.

I drive a Land Rover Freelander model 2001 and it has developed a clanking and rattling noise at the front as I drive on uneven roads. I changed my shock absorbers but the noise intesified.

The clanking and rattling noises in the front axle of your Land Rover Freelander are usually caused by damaged or worn out lower suspension control arms and anti-roll bar Z link bars. These components have bushes and ball joints which wear out with mileage covered especially when driven frequently on off road terrain. Get a good mechanic to dismantle the front axle suspension and check these components. You will need to find new replacement parts locally or from abroad. Failure to replace these components can lead to total failure which may compromise your safety because these components support the wheels.

Ask the mechanic (0772316145)

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