Engine Performance

Hello,
My 2015 4Runner has 29,000. Bought it six months ago with 26,000 miles from first owner.

I noticed something unusual, once I change the oil, the 4Runner becomes very responsive and smooth. Few hundred miles later precisely after 500 to 600 miles the engine becomes sluggish and lacks being responsive.
Could there be something wrong with the engine? Your thoughts please.

Thanks
Mike

 

I'm concerned because the car was not driven much by the first owner and that may have caused sludge build up which in turn causes
the oil to break down fast and affect performance. Could that be possible?

Mike

 

I’m guessing you have only done one oil change since you’ve only had the 4runner for 3,000 miles. Did you put the correct amount of oil in? Changed out the oil filter and installed everything back correctly?

 

I can't think of any scenario where changing the oil would give you a noticeable difference in performance. If the oil was broken down to the point that you had friction that could restrict the rotation of the engine it would destroy itself in short order. I think it's psychological. JMHO

 

I changed the oil four times. The engine started and accelerated very smooth after every oil change. Then after about 600 miles it became sluggish. That happens consistently 500 to 600 miles after every oil change.
The first oil change was done by the dealer, second by my mechanic third and fourth by me.
Used 0W-20 oil, 6.6 quarts and Toyota filter.
Mobil 1, Valvoline and the last oil change I used AMSOIL all synthetics. Had the same sluggish response with every oil. Valvoline was the longer lasting smooth performance.

Mike

 

The oil was changed four times within 3,000 miles? Interesting. I have to agree with above that it could just be a psychological feeling. If you’re convinced somethings wrong have a trusted shop/dealer check it out, it would be a first for me to hear about engine performance issues linked to an oil change.

 

Starting to get the feeling we're being trolled. 4 oil changes in 3K miles?

 

What does the oil look like coming out?

This seems like a very unusual issue. I can't imagine what would cause it.

 

So.... OP has had it 3000 miles.

Uh....

This might be the most charitable comment I've read all day.

No one believes there is or could be a reason for the engine to perform well on a fresh oil change then become sluggish after 500-600 miles.

 

This happenes consistenly after about 600 miles, not after 200, 300 or 400 miles.
I think something is going on with this engine. I thought being such low mileage in five years, not driven much and maybe the oil was not changed on time has to do with this issue. Sludge perhaps. I didn't get maintenance records from original owner, he may have not changed oil on time.

The oil comes out darker than usual for such an early oil change.

I have three other Toyotas with no issues. I had a 2015 Tacoma and it didn't have that issue either.

I took it in and was told that the issue can not be duplicated the reason I posted here hoping for an answer.

Thanks
Mike

 

^^^^this! Good call!

 

My mechanic checked codes and they were all fine. Sure, I'll ask him to do a compression test.

Thanks
Mike

 

Here's what you should consider doing since you seem to be convinced it's an oil issue.

Call it an oil autopsy.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com

 

That's a good idea. I ordered the kit.

Thanks
Mike