Oil changes leave old oil

How big a deal is this sludge issue? I've got a Sienna with a v-6.

 

what year, what's the mileage?

 

2004 Sienna with 20,000mi, oil changed religiously every 4000-5000 miles.

 

nothing to worry about. the sludge thing was 97-01, approximately. either way, you're well outside the problem years.

 

I still think that picture of the engine looks like some kind of
wacked Sesame Street character. Especially in color.
.
_H*

 

This reminds me. I heard others talking about a magnetic oil plug. Where do you get them from?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AlphaTeam @ Dec 25 2005, 09:53 PM) [snapback]179093[/snapback]</div>

Humm.. no on answered eh?

I think its a 12-1.25 size thread, but I can't find then yet either.

 

I found a place to order:
http://www.magneticdrainplugs.com/app16.htm

 

Ok, I'll ask the following question at the risk of demonstrating my lack of knowledge about cars...

Why would you want a magnetic drain plug?

(thanks in advance for sharing the knowledge...)

 

They provide comfort to people who think that magnetic particles are being created inside their engine and are not being captured in the oil filter or not held by gravity at the bottom of the sump. They're harmless but useless in a well-made engine.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 25 2006, 07:42 AM) [snapback]244827[/snapback]</div>

I guess the real question is ...... for those who have them... do they ever see any residue sticking to the magnet when they change the oil?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 25 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]244827[/snapback]</div>

According to Car Talk (aka "Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers") magnetic plugs are
"cute, harmless, and unneed". See http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/wheels/247718_talk11.html

+

 

Different after market oil drain plugs, that perform different functions, are available.
I would tend to lean towards the "Fumoto" type drain valve plug. This valve seems very practical. It eliminates the potential for cross-threading the pan at every subsequent oil change, a definite plus for do-it-yourselfers and at minimum wage, high-turnover lube joints. More importantly, the valve makes it easier to change the oil while still hot/warm. Since the oil has a lower viscosity when warm, it should drain out of the engine recesses quicker and more effectively, leaving less residual old oil.
While I don't know for sure, , I don't think draining oil out of a hot engine will harm it. Perhaps someone else can chime in on the thermal sensitivity of these lightweight alloy engines.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jmccord @ May 24 2006, 12:03 PM) [snapback]260456[/snapback]</div>

I've always preferred to drain a hot or near hot engine.. just because the old dirty oil is nice and thin and drains well and completely.