2007 Sequoia - If it sits 4 or more days the motor sounds like it's going to explode on first start

[simspacetn]

I have owned my 2007 Sequoia since July 2020. I've noticed a disturbing pattern when the car sits unused for 3 or 4 or more days.

After sitting for an extended period of time unused, it's as if all the engine oil has leaked down into the crankcase and the motor has dried out.

When the motor is started for the first time it sounds like it's going to explode. But within seconds after the oil has circulated everything quiets down and sounds normal.

This has happened to me twice after returning from a vacation. Both times I thought the motor was blown.

I do a high mileage synthetic blend oil change every 5,000 miles. When I drive it the oil pressure is solid. Even with 310,000+ miles this car has zero leaks, does not burn oil, and runs like a champ. I'd drive it cross country in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the MPGs.

Can anyone tell me what is going on?

 

[eaglerockdude]

Never heard of such a thing but I would take it to a good mechanic for sure.

 

[bajasequoia]

That always happens to my 2016 Rav4 but never on my Sequoia. I just got back from a 7 day trip, so my 2002 Sequoia was parked for a week and on an incline, upon first start i was expecting an awful sound but it just started up normal. Ive read its normal ive read it could be an issue, just take it to your mechanic to be sure.

 

[Red Skeleton]

Run thicker oil.

 

[Poodle Head Mikey]

Do you have the 4.6 engine or the 4.7 engine?

If the 4.6 - my first guess would be worn timing chain tensioners.

 

[Red Skeleton]

FYI this thread is 2023

 

[Poodle Head Mikey]

Yes but I just read it today and other people with the same problem may read it next year.

 

[Twowong4words]

My guess is a bad anti leak down valve in your oil filter. Faulty valves or worse, cheap filters can leak back into the engine and each time it sits for a while the filters nearly dry so when you start up it takes however long for the filter to fill before oil pressure is achieved. Change the oil filter and see if that takes care of it.

 

[Tommy D]

I have owned my 2007 Sequoia since July 2020. I've noticed a disturbing pattern when the car sits unused for 3 or 4 or more days.

After sitting for an extended period of time unused, it's as if all the engine oil has leaked down into the crankcase and the motor has dried out.

When the motor is started for the first time it sounds like it's going to explode. But within seconds after the oil has circulated everything quiets down and sounds normal.

This has happened to me twice after returning from a vacation. Both times I thought the motor was blown.

I do a high mileage synthetic blend oil change every 5,000 miles. When I drive it the oil pressure is solid. Even with 310,000+ miles this car has zero leaks, does not burn oil, and runs like a champ. I'd drive it cross country in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the MPGs.

Can anyone tell me what is going on?

I'm an original owner of a 2004 Sequoia SR5 with 510,000 miles I use Costco Kirkland fully synthetic oil and FRAM Synthetic filter. I have the original motor, transmission and gear box no issues. Try a full synthetic oil.