i recently changed the oil and noticed that the oil filter was dry.

1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
187,000 MILES
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MRG1217
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i was wondering what might cause this. also there is a knocking in the engine.
May 31, 2012 at 3:47 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Is the oil light on?Possibly low oil pressure?
May 31, 2012 at 3:52 PM
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MRG1217
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nope, the oil light isn't on
May 31, 2012 at 3:55 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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I would be concern about the knocking i have seen oil filters when i changed them seemed like there was no oil in them.Where is the knocking coming from?
May 31, 2012 at 3:58 PM
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MRG1217
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sounds like it is coming from the valve cover.
May 31, 2012 at 4:01 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Get a oil pressure gauge and check the actual oil pressure.Did the knocking start one wasnt there the prevous day?
May 31, 2012 at 4:07 PM
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MRG1217
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it started a couple of days ago when i was coming home from work, when i got home i checked the oil and it was low, so i just changed it since it was time.
May 31, 2012 at 4:10 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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How low was the oil?
May 31, 2012 at 4:12 PM
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MRG1217
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i believe it was around the add a quart mark.
May 31, 2012 at 4:13 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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If this is a 4 cylinder the filter is mounted facing down so it drains normally when parked.
May 31, 2012 at 4:34 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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So when you topped the oil off it didnt get any quetier?
May 31, 2012 at 6:21 PM
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MRG1217
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nope, its still making the same noise, i was thinking it might b the oil pick up tube, or maybe the oil pump, but i will check the oil pressure with a guage this weekend.
May 31, 2012 at 6:51 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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These engine are notorious for sludged up engines. I would remove the valve cover and see if it's sludged up.
May 31, 2012 at 6:56 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Thats a great idea wrenchtech.
May 31, 2012 at 7:03 PM
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MRG1217
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yea, it is a good idea, but i replaced the valve cover gasket, b/c it was leaking and everything looked fine in there, there wasn't any sludge build up anywhere
May 31, 2012 at 7:06 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Back to checking the oil pressure manually.
May 31, 2012 at 7:08 PM
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VR250
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Try removing the sump and checking the pickup for any blockage.
The mesh on the pickup blocks easily on 5sfe toyota engines with sludge etc.
Jul 1, 2012 at 5:42 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Ite a lot easier to check the actual oil pressure first thing start guessing.
Jul 1, 2012 at 8:28 AM
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