2001 Toyota Highlander Burning too much oil

2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
78,500 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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NOODLEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have changed my oil(synthetic) every 3-5000 miles
since I bought the Highlander in January 02.
This summer it started blowing white smoke from the tailpipe, occasionally, usually after it sat for several hours. Once on the road the exhaust wasn't noticeable.
There isn't any leakage under the car and the black soot on the tailpipe is dry.
I now seem to be going through a quart of oil every 100-150 miles.
Are there any explanations apart from faulty rings, which seem unusual in a well maintained Toyota with such low mileage.

Thank you for your feedback
Dec 27, 2007 at 9:59 AM
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BLACKOP555
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 10,386 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
yeah, white smoke is not good, it is usually a sign of a bad headgasket. have you noticed that it has ever ran low on antifreeze? also do you notice oil in the antifreeze or antifreeze in the oil? also on the oil fill cap look for a white foamy substance if that is there you should check your head gaskets. this delutes the oil which in turn will cause the engine not to be properly lubricated causing it to burn oil.
Dec 27, 2007 at 10:11 AM
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