1998 Toyota 4Runner engine smoke only when oil is low

1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
124,500 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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4RUNNERCHAN
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  • 2 POSTS
Symptom: visible blue smoke came out of tail pipe; checked oil level (very low); added oil (added 1 qt 5W-30 along with Motor Honey); and no more smoke (at least for now) 02/28/2009.
Background: I brought this 1998 4Runner on 02/20/2009. It passed emission without any problem. No leaks on the ground. I changed the engine oil and added gas treatment. 185 miles later, the above symptom occurred. Any idea what can be wrong? Any help would be highly appreciated.
Feb 28, 2009 at 11:20 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi there,

You will have to determine the cause of the oil consumption, with the low oil level the oil will over heat and thin out and be more readily consumed if the rings are in a poor state, i would do an engine service with a good quality oil flush and do a leak down test and check the condition of the rings, start here.

mark (mhpautos)
Mar 1, 2009 at 1:01 AM
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