What does Oil Color Reveal?

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If I had a 2015 Camry that was mechanically sound and wasn't consuming oil, I'd change the oil at a drop of the hat if it looked dirty -- no matter what the mileage was. But in this case, with this specific Camry, you might as well follow the OLM down to 0% and drive it until it grenades.
 
Usually black oil indicates soot in suspension. Gold going to brown means some chemical alteration and that the additive package is doing just what it's supposed to (cleaning & neutralizing...)
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How much oil are you losing per Xk miles?

What's toyota's acceptable rate?

Are you getting the advertised MPG?

Are you required to pass a sniffer test? What are your results. If they are on the high end or even above average for your vehicle, it could be more evidence of a real problem.

I'd document the fouled plug with pictures along with the other cylinders. I'd keep a log of oil loss. Also keep all the records on analysis. Having a respected third party opinion on the situation may be needed as well.

I'd be looking into your state's lemon laws. If they (your dealer) fail to address/solve the problem over multiple visits, you may need legal action to get it right. I'd start with writing a letter to the dealer owner expressing your concerns. Including your reasons for buying a Toyota for the reputation of quality and the good reputation of the dealer. Also state the salesman assured you that toyota were known for both initial quality and good resale and you don't feel that the way things are with your vehicle are like you were led to expect. (don't lie here but paraphrase or stretch to a reasonable amount). Ask the owner or GM to contact you directly politely.

You need to show you have exhausted all avenues of satisfaction in a polite and reasonable manner. Chances are your problem will be addressed. If you look like someone who is willing just to 'go away' they will ignore you. Also if you act very aggressively, they may decided your not worth dealing with and just hope your not willing or financially capable of legal action.
 
While I agree that oil color means very little in general, I also think that in some cases it's good to pay attention to it. For example, in gasoline engine if the oil looks jet black on the dipstick and very similar to the oil in a diesel engine, I would pay attention as it is not normal. Gasoline engines simply do not produce enough soot to load the oil up during the course of a normal OCI.

But in general, I would say that most people reporting "jet black oil" in their gasser really never saw a true jet black oil coming out of a heavy duty diesel engine or some farm equipment.
 
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Originally Posted By: stower17
It sounds like you already know the answer since you stated it burns oil and the spark plug reveals that fact. I would voice your concerns to the manufacturer and see if they can provide some help. Personally I have never had a new car that burns excess oil, although it does sometimes happens. best of luck


Toyota is big on words and short on action. Just this last Monday Toyota America told me the customer service rep would contact me "no later than Wednesday." Today is Friday, no contact.
 
Originally Posted By: stower17
haven't you posted this before? Let the blackstone sample it and let them tell you what they find.


I will post the Blackstone report as soon as I get it.
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Reads like you have poor cyl balance due to poor combustion. This will gum rings, then dirty the oil and kill the cat. Have dealer address? Good luck getting ANY response from a dealer on engine performance issues - I never have.
Any MIL/code set?
If not, you might bring to local hyper tuner for advice or a data log and check then bring to dealer for ammo.
May just be bad plug/coil. Has anyone fiddled with the ignition or plugs? You gotta put NEW back in, or use new crusg gaskets to prevent warping of area around valve seats due to overtorquing.


The plug in cylinder 4 is dirty.
 
Originally Posted By: 4wheeldog
Why is the dealer not getting this motor replaced, if it is indeed fouling #4?


The Dealer will not fight with Toyota for me. They assure me that they will support me 100% as I fight with Toyota America.
 
 
Wayne, I'm with the others that say you should build documentation like your consumption log and the oil analysis stuff. In the end if you need to go to the State for help with a lemon or to an arbitrator, documentation will be your biggest friend/ally.

I'd also learn to safely change the spark plugs and pull #4 about every 2~4K or so, and replace it. Keep the old ones numbered and logged as to the date and mileage so you can demonstrate how fast they are fouling. That will be good secondary proof of the internal problem.

Along the way, the situation may change. Rings have been known to slowly seat in a very few cases. Valve seals generally do not ever get better. So the logs and results of investigation will more clearly indicate the final cause and the ultimate repair.

Sorry you have to go through this. It's a bummer to buy a new vehicle with an issue. But it happens. You just got unlucky and drew the short straw this time ...
 
My own personal experience, no matter "what" oil I put in my Ram in signature weather it be conventional or synthetic and any filter combination I have all tried. The oil is dark brown after 1000 miles. All motors react differently.
 
Originally Posted By: zach1900
On that note why does cool oil as in car sitting for 12 hrs.+ always look dirtier?



I believe you are mistaken.

I think oil color is more an indication of heat and less of "dirty".




Oh I see windeye may have stated this.
 
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