96 Previa Supercharger Whine?
Eddie
whining/whistling when we accelerate mildly - dealer says its a vacumn
leak, I (and an independant mechanic) say its the supercharger (which
is still covered under the "Toyota Certified Warranty" I have). I
would think if it were a vacumn leak, performance would suffer (which
is not the case). Any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks. Note: this is our second Previa ... our first one, a 91,
was flawless for 180k miles. Awesome van.
Martin Yanagisawa
Eddie <obadi...@safeplace.net> wrote in message
news:8d182202.02101...@posting.google.com...
"whining/whistling" is typically the muffler. The internal baffles apparently
break down, so it doesn't even look like it is failing, but it manages
to produces the whistling. I've only heard of 1 S/C on these ever
failing, and that was on a new '94 model when they first came out.
The typical muffler whistling occurs on non-S/C Previas too.
Aftermarket mufflers (such as Walker) do not whistle, but they are
unpleasantly louder inside the car. I would replace w/ OEM; even if it
wasn't under warranty.
Have you checked S/C oil level? Some dealers don't even know to
do this.
See also:
Allan
which is not to say that your problem could not be something else like the
supercharger. If you haven't already, you might want to check out the
Previa list group at YahooGroups as they have a lot of experience with these
vehicles. I have a 96 Previa S/C like yours and my complaint is the
whistling exhaust system. I think problems with the Previa supercharger
are pretty rare and you might want to have yet another mechanic who is
experienced with turbos and superchargers evaluate it to see if that's
really the case. Those whistling noises are really difficult to pin point
without the car being on a rack and inspecting it from below. I observed
one shop doing the inspection on mine with it on the rack. One tech was in
the car on the hoist with the parking brake set, brake pedal depressed, and
the car in Drive. He stepped on the gas while another tech was under the
car trying to find the source of the noise. Hope this helps.
"Eddie" <obadi...@safeplace.net> wrote in message
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Traveler
and can't find it there. I also ask my dealer every time I get the oil
changed and someone else says you don't ever need to check or change. I've
always found that hard to believe.
"Eddie" <obadi...@safeplace.net> wrote in message
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Michael Pardee
news:Deay9.29257$VJ5.1...@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> Can someone tell me how to check the S/C oil? I bought the service manual
> and can't find it there. I also ask my dealer every time I get the oil
> changed and someone else says you don't ever need to check or change. I've
> always found that hard to believe.
>
>
engine oil through a separate oil line and a drain-back pipe.
Mike P
Martin Yanagisawa
Traveler <trav...@nospam.com> wrote in message
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> and can't find it there.
The Chilton's book has the best write up, including service
intervals for checking S/C oil level.
Also see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/previa/files/SuperChargerOilDigest.txt
If you don't want to sign up with Yahoo, here is the content:
This file is a "mini-digest" of sorts. It a collection of several posts that I found
to be very helpful when I'd asked about checking Supercharger Oil.
Keith Corder
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Wed Jul 17, 2002 9:34 pm
Subject: Hey all you supercharger owners....
Well, after reading posts here for awhile about supercharger oil,
I've decided that it's time I start checking my own supercharger oil
level.
I have a question though - How in the world do you easily get to the
dipstick? Any tricks for getting to it from above, or below for that
matter?
Thanks, Keith
From: "Wilbur" <bratman@n...>
Date: Wed Jul 17, 2002 10:17 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] Hey all you supercharger owners....
Keith,
The easiest way that I have found is from below. The only way to check it from above
would be to remove many parts. I always check mine when I change the oil. I place
the front on jack stands, at the jacking point, and then I can easily reach the oil
filter. After changing the filter I reach up and check the S/C oil.
Bill
'95 S/C
From: "Michael and Kelly Smith" <mikellysmith@h...>
Date: Thu Jul 18, 2002 2:02 am
Subject: Re: [previa] Hey all you supercharger owners....
Keith,
I have two 95 previa rwd with S/C. I just changed my oil and added oil to my S/C. If
you put your bean on a jackstands the S/C dipstick is above the rack and pinion
steering. The dipstick is yellow in color. You'll need a syringe to get oil into the
supercharger. Good luck!!!!
Mike
From: "wsz990" <t990@o...>
Date: Thu Jul 18, 2002 10:56 am
Subject: Re: supercharger oil access....
"Easy"??? Can you get some time of a lift somewhere?
(Thats how I do it.)
The S/C is a silver casting that looks like an A/C
compressor. The dipstick is on top, toward the
rear; the drain plug is right on the bottom.
The dipstick screws in. It's very small...about
2.5 inches long including the yellow handle. It reminds
me of a lawnmower dipstick.
I didn't use the Toyota syringe. I tried using one
of those oil can guns with a flexible metal hose.
Although it worked, it turned out not to really be
flexible enough to make the last bend. I think some
aquarium plastic tubing on the end of the oil gun
would work better.
I also used Castrol synthetic 5W50 (thanks to this list).
I bought it at K-Mart for $4.00 a quart.
Does anyone know if there's a schedule for changing
the S/C oil?
From: "r0ckola" <Steve@K...>
Date: Fri Jul 19, 2002 7:57 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil access....question Bill,
Bill,
I bought my used 95 s/c from a Toyota service manager, I asked him
because the manual was vague and he said to change it every 30,000
and inspect every 10,000 miles.
Did you added the Castrol to the existing OEM oil? I've been
wondering if that was kosher practice to mix?
thanks in advance,
Steve
From: "wsz990" <t990@o...>
Date: Fri Jul 19, 2002 11:58 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil access....question Bill,
I added to the existing, but I don't know if there
is a statement from Toyota for or against this.
The Toyota book says something to the effect of
"add Toyota SC oil or equivalent".
The Castrol bottle says "compatible with all
conventional and synthetic oils".
I know there are endless opinions about synthetic
vs conventional and mixing...but all the major
motor oil producers now sell blended oil containing
a mix of synthetic and conventional oil...so I
don't think there is any problem mixing them
in a crankcase...I don't know about the SC.
From: "alrobkay" <alrobkay@o...>
Date: Wed Jul 17, 2002 10:50 pm
Subject: supercharger oil change
If you are anywhere near Las Vegas, Fletcher Jones Toyota on W. Sahara will
drain and fill your supercharger oil supply with Toyota certified oil for a
very reasonable sum.
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 11:38 am
Subject: supercharger oil followup...
Ok everyone, thanks for the supercharger oil info.
I raised my Previa, slid under from the front, and was able to easily
check the dipstick. And, I need to add oil.
I'd already purchased the oil, and sort of a pump/tubing arrangement
that I thought I'd be able to use to add the oil.
But, that hole is really small - I'll need some small tubing to fit.
I called the Toyota dealership to ask about the syringe, and the guy I
talked with had no idea what I was talking about. Thanks to info from
this site, I told him I thought the Toyota oil came as a kit with the
syringe. He went to check and told me he had none in stock.
So, anyone know if the syringe is available separately (a part number
would be incredibly appreciated), or have you had success in
fashioning a syringe, maybe with pieces from a medical supply store?
Thanks! - Keith
From: "Dave" <zeezo@q...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 12:48 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
As this discussion has been unfolding, I was wondering if just raising the
front end would give an accurate reading on the S/C oil level - the van
being at an angle.
I have a local garage use their lift to check it, and use the Ford S/C oil
for roots - type superchargers - $13 a bottle.
Dave
95 SC DX
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 9:44 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
I've been wondering about that also. I'd guessed from the discussion
that raising the front enough to get under the van was still "flat
enough".
I guess your garage uses their own syringe?
- Keith
From: "Alan Russell" <arussell1@k...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 1:21 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
Did you have to go head first from the front? I tried it a while back and
couldn't get my arm up to grab the dipstick. Felt you needed to be some sort
of contortionist to get it without removing any parts so I gave up. Figured
that is why the dealer charges so much to change it.
-alan
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 9:45 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
Yes, head first from the front. Far enough that my face was just
about under the supercharger.
- Keith
From: "Ronald H. Nakano" <attbi-paradox@a...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 2:02 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
i check my '95 S/C by using a bubble level on flat ground (garage floor)
to find a spot in the van that i use as a reference point. i put my
ramps on my sloped driveway on the downslope side. i then drive up the
ramps from the upslope side until the buble level shows the van as being
level. the slope allows me to crawl under while the van is on the ramps.
if you have a flat driveway, you could probably do this on the slope
where the drive way meets the gutter, if you have that style of
driveway. just be sure there is no water in the gutter and that the
neighbor won't be washing his/her car while you're under the van...
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 9:46 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
Well, what do you use for a syringe? Do you get one from Toyota, or
fashion one somehow?
- Keith
From: "Wilbur" <bratman@n...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 10:31 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
Dave,
That was a concern of mine when I first started to check the S/C. However, the size
of the oil reservoir in the S/C is very small and it is deeper than it is wide. So
even if the angle of the van changes when you have it up on jack stands, because of
the width depth ratio you are not effecting the height of the oil in the S/C.
Sorry if this sounds confusing, I am an engineer so there are times that I really
sound like one and a bunch of gobbilty gooch comes out of my mouth. Take a glass
that is deep but narrow, you see what I mean.
Bill
'95 S/C
From: "Wilbur" <bratman@n...>
Date: Sun Jul 21, 2002 10:20 pm
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
Keith,
No need to spend the money for the Toyota part. Find the largest syringe that you
can and some tubing that will fit on the syringe. The one that came from Toyota is a
60 ml with a 1/8th inch ID tubing.
Hopefully this helps you out.
Bill
'95 S/C
From: "Dave" <zeezo@q...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 12:54 am
Subject: Re: [previa] supercharger oil followup...
Actually, you made perfect sense to me. I speak gobbitly gooch fluently. ;-)
I also use small dia tubing attached to the bottle to add oil.
Dave
From: "bedrock4x" <patf.att@w...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 2:28 am
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
I use the syringe left over from the leak repair kit
for my son's soccer balls. I used it to inject motor
oil for other projects. It is a red plastic syringe
1" in diameter and the tip fits 1/8" tubing.
It is avialable at Target stores.
Pat
From: "daverich9" <dave.rich@f...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 9:51 am
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
Keith,
Try a pharmacy or drugstore for the syringe for a couple of dollars.
They have cheap plastic ones (I think they are used for feeding
infants liquid medicines). It's just a little tricky getting the
filled syringe (with plunger extended) up through all the
obstructions and in place to fill the SC. Mine took several refills
to top off, but very doable and certainly worth the money you can
save.
Note that Catrol sells the oil for about $4 (see previous postings
for details).
Dave Rich (CA)
95 SC LE 96,000mi
From: "Kevin CHIN" <kchin@c...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 11:20 am
Subject: [previa] Re: supercharger oil followup...
I may not know what I am talking about since I don't have a Previa with the S/C
but would an oil can (you know the one that you have squirt) with the long flex
metal attachment work? Maybe it is not flexible enough.
My 2 cents
Kevin Chin
From: "daverich9" <dave.rich@f...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 4:02 pm
Subject: Re: supercharger oil followup...
Probably will take too much room... unless you have a long hose
between the oil can and the SC fill point. That's why the syringe
seems to work well - you can just get your hand & arm up through all
the mess of cables & hardware. I have big hands and it was just
barely doable for me.
Dave Rich
95 SC
From: "Michael and Kelly Smith" <mikellysmith@h...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 11:44 am
Subject: Re: [previa] Re: supercharger oil followup...
Kevin,
It can but you'll be reaching at an extreme bend and even than it may not bend that
much.
Mike
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 1:34 pm
Subject: supercharger oil continued....syringe found....
For those of you following the drama, here's the latest in the series.
Today, armed with printed out posts from this group, and the drawing
on page 1-65 of my Chilton's manual, I went to the local True Value
hardware store to figure out what I could make work for putting oil
in the supercharger.
(There's a Target a few blocks past the hardware store. The plan was
that Target would be my next stop if the hardware store didn't work
out.)
So I went into the hardware store and asked the guy if he was ready
for a challenge. Funny how interested those guys get when you need a
creative solution. I described what I was trying to accomplish,
showed him the drawing in Chilton's, and discussed what some of you
had also used.
He led me to an aisle where they had a metal syringe in a cardboard
box, marked "Oil Gun". It will hold maybe 8 oz. of oil, and has
interchangeable metal tips to use depending on the application. It
was on the same aisle as the saw blades. Cost: $9.99.
He also had the plastic tubing, 1/8 in. inside diameter. Cost: 10
cents a foot.
I'll go back under the van this evening, and report back on my
success.
My sincere thanks to all who have helped with suggestions along the
way,
- Keith
From: "reallyreallyfree" <reallyreallyfree@y...>
Date: Mon Jul 22, 2002 7:59 pm
Subject: OK, supercharger oil success story!
Well, I just finished topping off the oil in my supercharger. Really
not that difficult. I filled the syringe, slid under the van, poked
the tube down in the supercharger fill hole, and pushed in the oil.
Many, many thanks to all who posted suggestions.
A couple of observations:
1. Oil flows very slowly through that small tube. Slow and steady
pressure on the syringe did the trick.
2. When I initially checked the oil level, it did not register on the
dipstick. I added about 100 ml of oil to get it up to the "full"
marker. "bratman_dec" posted earlier that total capacity is 130 ml.
I even managed to overfill a little, but with the syringe I just
sucked a little back out.
Again, thanks everyone. I'm going to cut and paste the overall
discussion into a document and post it to the "files" area.
- Keith
Kurt Lutes / Deborah Wheeler
and I can confirm having seen 2 things 1) you can and should check for S/c
oil & 2) it ain't easy, one guy spoke of how toyota mechanic said he had
checked when owner knew of bolt to remove and it showed no sign of being
removed to check level
"Michael Pardee" <mich...@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
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