Many owners of older vehicles, especially models like the 1998 Toyota Corolla, often face the frustrating issue of oil consumption. If you’ve noticed your trusty Corolla burning through oil faster than usual, you’re not alone. This article outlines a two-part method, successfully used by a certified mechanic and engineer, to address and resolve oil burning problems in a 1998 Toyota Corolla. This approach focuses on removing carbon buildup and maintaining optimal engine temperature to prevent future issues.
Part 1: Chemical Cleaning to Combat Carbon Buildup
The first step in tackling oil consumption in your 1998 Toyota Corolla is to address potential carbon buildup within the engine. This process involves using chemical treatments to dissolve and remove these deposits, which can often contribute to oil burning.
Fuel Tank Treatment with Berryman B-12 Chemtool
Begin by treating your fuel system. Fill your fuel tank completely and add a bottle of Berryman B-12 Chemtool (B12) directly into the tank. B12 is a potent solvent-based cleaner, distinct from many fuel additives that use kerosene as a filler. It shares similarities with the carbon-removing agents used in GM’s Northstar engines. Drive your 1998 Toyota Corolla normally until you’ve used about half of the treated fuel tank. Berryman B-12 Chemtool is readily available and affordable, making it an accessible option for this initial cleaning stage.
Spark Plug Soak with Berryman B-12 Chemtool
Next, enhance the cleaning process by directly treating the engine cylinders. Remove all spark plugs from your 1998 Toyota Corolla. Divide half a bottle of B12 evenly among the four spark plug holes. Allow this to soak overnight. The following day, rotate the engine crankshaft by one revolution and repeat the process with another half bottle of B12, soaking again overnight. For a more intensive clean, pour a full bottle of B12 into all four spark plug holes and let it sit for two hours.
After the soaking period, it’s time to expel the dissolved carbon. While using vacuum tools for extraction would be ideal, a simpler method is to lower the hood (partially, for safety and ventilation) and crank the engine for several minutes. This will force out any excess B12 and dissolved carbon through the spark plug holes. Following this, install new NGK iridium spark plugs and wires to ensure optimal ignition performance. Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes to clear out any remaining residue, then turn it off.
Crankcase Treatment with Berryman B-12 Chemtool and Oil Change
The final chemical cleaning step targets the engine’s crankcase. Position your 1998 Toyota Corolla on ramps for easy access underneath. Add another bottle of B12 directly to the engine oil. According to the chemical engineer who formulated B12, adding it to cold oil and idling the engine for 10 minutes is safe and effective for removing carbon and sludge. After idling for 10 minutes, turn off the engine and drain the old oil and remove the oil filter. Observe the drained oil; you’ll likely notice a significant difference in its opacity, indicating the removal of sludge and deposits.
Replace the old oil filter with a Fram XG3600 oil filter. While generally, Fram filters might not be the top recommendation, the XG3600 is an exception. It features high-quality metal end caps, similar to premium brands, and wire mesh support to prevent filter media collapse. Although slightly larger than the stock filter, the XG3600 fits well in a 1998 Toyota Corolla without ground clearance issues and makes future oil filter changes easier due to its size.
For the replacement oil, use Mobil1 0W40 European Car Formula. This synthetic oil offers excellentStartup viscosity, similar to a 5W30, but maintains better viscosity at higher operating temperatures, providing enhanced engine protection. Fill the crankcase with approximately 4 quarts of the Mobil1 0W40.
Part 2: Maintaining Optimal Engine Temperature to Prevent Future Buildup
The second crucial part of resolving oil consumption in a 1998 Toyota Corolla is managing engine temperature. High engine temperatures can contribute to carbon buildup and oil degradation. Lowering and stabilizing the engine’s operating temperature can significantly mitigate these issues.
Radiator and Thermostat Replacement
In this case, the 1998 Toyota Corolla required radiator replacement due to a leak. A Denso radiator was installed as a replacement. Simultaneously, the thermostat was replaced with a Mishimoto MMTS-TC-05L 155F/68C high-flow thermostat. Lowering the thermostat’s opening temperature helps the engine run cooler, reducing thermal stress and carbon formation.
Coolant Choice
Choosing the right coolant is also vital for temperature management. The recommended coolant is a concentrated green coolant, specifically Orielly’s Auto parts Black Bottle Green coolant, which contains a high concentration of ethylene glycol. Alternatives include Walmart’s Supertech Concentrate or Evans waterless coolant. While Evans coolant was previously considered, the Orielly’s concentrate offers superior boiling point characteristics.
It’s advised to use concentrated coolant without adding water. Although waterless coolants like Evans can operate at slightly warmer temperatures overall, using a lower temperature thermostat and a high-efficiency radiator in a 1998 Toyota Corolla results in a cooler and more stable engine temperature. This approach also eliminates cavitation, hot spots, and oxidation, ensuring long-term cooling system health. The high boiling point of the concentrated coolant provides an extra safety margin, especially under heavy engine loads or in hot weather conditions.
Conclusion
By combining chemical cleaning to remove existing carbon deposits with proactive temperature management, you can effectively address oil consumption issues in a 1998 Toyota Corolla. This two-pronged approach not only resolves the immediate problem but also helps prevent future buildup, contributing to the longevity and reliability of your vehicle’s engine. Remember to always consult with a certified mechanic for personalized advice and to ensure proper execution of these procedures for your specific vehicle.
