campbeam

This topic has been on my mind for quite a few years now. Certainly been "feeling" that cars have become more expensive and less reliable particularly since COVID pandemic. Also increasing govt. standards particularly for fuel economy, emissions etc. have their role in adding cost to the vehicle manufacturer. Extended maintenance intervals [refer sales and marketing] are appealing to the new car buyer both for cost and convenience. Maintenance intervals as proposed by the engineers is quite different. Market has changed particularly those prepared to perform the DIY especially for regular and preventative maintenance. Nice to have thoughts and opinions supported by facts or proven expert opinion.

Times have changed post-COVID and no great bargain oil specials worth mentioning until now. Latest Repco catalogue has 50% discount Penrite Vantage Semi Synthetic 10W-40 Engine Oil 6L - VANSEMI10W40006. $35 for 6 litres is worth considering whether it will be applicable for your vehicle's engine and servicing requirements. Because most of my driving is short distance and as preventative measure against oil sludge, I use a comparatively short oil change interval between 3-6 months. It is a cost benefit decision. I use full synthetic for my long distance road trips. https://www.repco.com.au/oils-fluids/engine-oils-fluids/engine-oil/penrite-vantage-semi-synthetic-10w-40-engine-oil-6l-vansemi10w40006/p/A9611158

Have you also given the vacuum hose a clean i.e.with a spray of de-greaser. Maybe be also give the throttle body a cleaner which may help to remove any oil related film in the intake. something else that i did was to fit an oil catch can which has since been removed. The real solution to fix this white smoke issue was to thoroughly clean the valve cover and also any oil sludge build up in the valve train. Something else that i did as temporary measure and to confirm that it was oil sludge build up issue was to temporarily disconnect the PCV valve from the valve cover. I taped off the pcv valve so it was unable to suck in an excessive amount of air. I also blocked the valve cover hole opening with some filtering material. The white smoke on start up should stop within a few weeks. If it continues, I would do another clean of the front valve cover with particular attention to the section leading to the pcv valve.

I have previously cleaned the PCV valve a number of times and eventually I ended up replacing it. Something else to do is to clean the vacuum hose between the PCV valve and the intake.

KLuger and the Aurion both are fitted with the 2GR-FE engine. Specific engines have specific issues. White smoke particularly on start up for the 2GR-FE engine is commonly due to oil vapour being sucked into the intake via the Positive Crankcase Ventilation [PCV] valve. The PCV valve needs to be checked and cleaned or replaced, as required. The 2GR-FE engine is also highly susceptible to oil sludge build up especially in the valve covers when not properly maintained with regular oil changes using quality engine oil. The known solution is to remove the front valve cover and give it a thorough clean to remove the oil sludge build up particularly the area relating to PCV. This enables the oil to drain away more efficiently and effectively to reduce being drawn into the PCV valve.

I believe that they want to check that you have not been hooning in the vehicle or thrashing it before accepting a warranty claim.

Realistically, play the "What If scenario game". What are you going to do with $15-20k in hand plus any savings for holding onto a surplus vehicle? I have a 2009 Prodigy sitting in the backyard as my backup vehicle. There is an opportunity cost but also the insurance/convenience factor. If my current 2006 ATX gets written off due to accident damage or a serious mechanical mishap, it will only be a minor inconvenience.

Have a look at this URL https://tiresize.com/comparison/ https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2015-toyota-hilux-sr-hi-rider-auto-4x2-double-cab/SPOT-ITM-425943?Cr=8 Tyre specification is shown as 265/65/R17. There should be sticker/plackard showing vehicle specifications and usually placed within the door opening near the lock.

Your description indicates a low fuel pressure problem. Was the fuel filter also replaced? Looks like you are going to have to take your son's mechanic's advice and also replace that other part.

Search on this Forum or do a Google Search with the search term of white smoke on startup or similar. It is definitely NOT valve stem seals for the Toyota 2GR_FE engine. The white smoke is due to oil vapors being drawn into the intake manifold. The PCV valve needs to be cleaned/replaced as a starting point. You can also try to desludge the engine and an oil change using a quality known brand synthetic oil and a new filter cartridge. Most likely there is significant oil sludge build up in the front valve cover. A definite proven solution is that the cover needs to be removed and thoroughly cleaned. Also go back to the proven old school approach of regular oil change intervals of 5000 kms/6 months.

Your vehicle is now 5-6 years old. What is the odometer reading? My immediate thought is that the transmission needs to be serviced i.e. the Automatic Transmission Fluid needs to be changed. The other thought is to check with the dealership regarding whether there has been a transmission software upgrade that can be applied.

Narva is a known brand. I looked at the description and noted: Note these globes are NOT ADR APPROVED and should be used for OFFROAD USE ONLY. Your $$$; Your choice; Your Risk. I expect that they should be quite good for the Projector type lens in the low beam.

I fitted the STEDI LED bulbs May 2022 and odometer reading 240,000 KMs. Current odometer reading 264,400 KMs. If I had to estimate how many operating hours then it would be at least 3-4 hours weekly plus another 40 hours per interstate road trip = 200+ Hours per annum. I consider the STEDI LED bulbs to be the best $ value upgrade and will definitely purchase them again. Being contrarian, I have another set of a different cheaper brand LED bulbs as backups for immediate use [purchased in 2022] until I can place that order. Hoping that these STEDI bulbs do last 5 years as claimed by so many Chinese brands. Perhaps by then STEDI will have an even more premium quality replacement.

Always want to learn more from the experts and their opinions based upon their years of experience. This YouTube video appeared in my feed. Not saying that I understand any of the this except that it makes sense when you consider that oil additives wear out or break down. I did make note that timing chains are attributed as a factor for the shearing impact upon the oil additives. I am still thinking that it comes back to using a quality known brand engine oil and an appropriate oil change interval for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.

After the event, you realise that it is a real labour of love. Past pleasure and lots more pleasure to keep on coming in the future.