My car is having a few problems with the engine oil

2008 TOYOTA CAMRY
81,500 MILES
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FLORANCEMCARTHUR
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Hello, I think it's burning up oil. I'm not sure what could be causing this. I checked the oil level 1000 miles after the last oil change and it was very low and dark in color. Could this be the piston rings, or the camshaft actuator?
Aug 9, 2012 at 3:24 AM
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CAROLINACARCONNECTION
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 66 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
do you visually see any oil leaks? does it smoke?
Aug 9, 2012 at 3:34 AM
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FLORANCEMCARTHUR
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No. I haven't noticed the car leak oil, but I haven't checked. There is no smoke that comes out of the hood or anything. Smoke does come out of the dipstick tube when i remove the dipstick or from the engine when i remove the engine oil cap.
Aug 9, 2012 at 4:59 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The oil will often look dirty because of residue carbon sludge in the engine, it is always a good idea to drain oil when hot and do the filter at the same time, you can also use an engine flush agent, but this is not recommended to be used at each service.
Aug 9, 2012 at 9:48 AM
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