2000 Toyota Corolla ENGINE SPUTTERING

2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
82,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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LIVELIFE0809
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Hi, Sorry to bother you but I'm a little scared about the quiet sputtering I hear from the engine when in Park, drive or reverse. When I give it the gas - it disappears. I went 9 months before an oil change because I only put on about 1600 miles. Have I caused permenant engine damage? I can tell you that it has had a very small oil leak for a while. Could this be the cause? Have I done the unthinkable and caused permanent engine damage?

Please Help???

Thanks so very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 15, 2009 at 9:58 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Describe the noise, click, grinding, knock?

As long as you never let the engine oil get below the crosshatch on the dipstick you are generally OK.

Having said that, conventional oils will break down if left in too long, varnish and more importantly sludge will form and CAN cause problems.

Change the oil/filter every 3,000 miles, even if you use the "house" brand at most autoparts stores, it is important to keep it changed.

Also find and repair the oil leak.
Jul 16, 2009 at 10:41 AM
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LIVELIFE0809
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Thank you mmprince4000 for taking your time to answer my question. I truly appreciate it. No I've never let it go down below the crosshatch mark. The noise I can best describe as pretty quiet, but I know how quiet my engine usually sounds - you could hardly even hear it purr. But this is not a knock or ping or click but more like a psst every few seconds. I don't know how to describe it any better. Sorry I hope this helps.
Jul 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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The EVAP system has purge solenoids/vacuum switching valves located near the throttle body that can sometimes make those noises, they can even click.

You might open hood with engine running and see if you can isolate the area the noise id coming from.
But I don't think you have any major problems.
Jul 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
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LIVELIFE0809
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Dear mmprince4000, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Peace of mind is hard enough to get in this day and age and here you are 100's of miles away helping someone whom you have never even met - just from the kindness of your heart. I know it will all come back to you tenfold. I will get that leak fixed immediately and Thank you for everything!!!!!!!!!!!
Take care,
Lynne
Jul 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM