What does the idler pulley do?

1992 TOYOTA COROLLA
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GEET
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Does it control idling? My car consumes one quarter of the dipstick of oil for 4,000 km. is it okay or i must change the engine as two times have already changed piston rings? Thanks a lot.
Jun 25, 2010 at 11:29 AM
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SQM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

The function of the idler pulley is to provide tension and guide the belt. Without the pulley it will not be possible to route the belt properly.
It has nothing to do with the engine's idle quality.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-works

An engine can lose/burn oil due to having worn out valve stem seal, broken piston ring, plugged crankcase ventilation, overheating of the oil, also for having excessive block to piston clearance.

It will be best to look at each possible item and take appropriate action.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Dec 18, 2021 at 10:29 PM
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