Excessive Oil Consumption

[Anastasis]

I am noticing a significant amount of oil being consumed between oil changes. When I bought my car (used) my mechanic talked me into switching over to synthetic. That was at about 8000 miles. Since then I have noticed that it seems to be consuming a lot of oil. Last time I took it in for a change the level was pretty low on the dipstick, so I have been keeping a closer eye on it this cycle. Anyways, so I had to add a quart today and its still not at the full line, it could probably take another 0.5-1 quart. It's only been about 2000 miles since my last oil change. WTF?

I have been reading some stuff online about increased consumption with synth motor oils, and Nissan actually "recommends" mineral based oils in the owners manual. I don't really have any way of knowing what the consumption was prior to synth, so I have no before and after information.

Should I just switch it back to dino oil or what? Is there anything else I should be looking at?

 

[DoobieWah]

First, let me stress that I am not only NOT a mechanic, I'm not really a "car guy".

However, your oil should be operating in an essentially closed system. If you are leaking, (or "burning") synthetic oil, you will probably also be doing the same with dino oil.

I have two friends who are car guys who swear by the synth stuff. Both say that after a certain number of miles, (60k?), you shouldn't even consider anything else.

So, I suggest you look for a problem other than the oil itself.

Good luck.

...and OU still sucks.

 

[Anastasis]

I'm not leaking. At least visual inspection doesn't reveal any leaks and there isn't a dark spot where I park it.

 

[TxStHorn]

If you are losing oil and it is not leaking out of the engine there is only one other place it is going - out the tailpipe.

Either your valves are not seating properly, or your rings are bad.

And testing compression doesn;t always mean the rings are good. When the engine is running, the oil acts as a sealant between the cylder walls and the rings - which can give a false reading of good compression.

You need to take it to a shop and do a complete leak down test to determine what is the cause of the burning. Carry a stiff drink with you - you might need it....

 

[The Bandit]

bobistheoilguy.com has an abundance of info on oil. I tried a product called autorx for my truck. it stopped all the oil consumption in my truck

you may want to try a thicker oil. as engines get more miles the tolerances get bigger, thus the need for thicker oil

 

[HornHuskerDad]

The info is right on - you are either (a) leaking oil or (b) burning it. As engines get older, they do slop the tolerances, so a thicker oil does help. Also, try a can of STP next time - it really seems to help the seals on older engines.

Yup -- 8:43 and OU still sucks!