Sean880
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,191
- Reaction score
- 193
- Points
- 63
- Location
- VIC / NSW
- Members Ride
- 2012 VE SV6 ser 2 and 911 Porsche Carrera S 997
1. You do not say how many kms the car has traveled but that level of oil consumption is excessive obviously.
You should be changing the oil every 5-6000 kms in any event and letting the oil drop below the add level is just neglect .
2. If there are no external oil leaks of significance then it will likely be worn piston rings. If you had someone carry out an engine cylinder compression check before buying the car you would know the likely condition of the piston rings before handing over your cash.
3. The problem is the oil change intervals in the book are for ideal/optimum running which very few owners ever do. So allowing the standard type mineral oils to run 10000 kms or so in the engine before changing will result in much more wear on piston rings, bearings and other moving parts. Furthermore many owners are too lazy or ignorant, or both, to check their engine oil levels between services and some will just skip a service to save money. They will allow the oil to run down to the add level or lower in an engine which is consuming some oil - and all engines will consume a bit. They do not bother to check radiator coolant levels either. This is the risk you run buying a used car.
4. Apart from checking for external leaks I would get a compression test done on each cylinder. If you have a significant external leak you will most likely have oil dripping on the garage floor.
5. Finally check that you do not have oil escaping into your cooling system via a failed head gasket. Look at the coolant condition in the radiator when it is cold.
Relying on a used car warranty is no substitute for getting a thorough pre -purchase inspection carried out before buying a used car because countless wear and tear items are not covered by these used car warranties.
You should be changing the oil every 5-6000 kms in any event and letting the oil drop below the add level is just neglect .
2. If there are no external oil leaks of significance then it will likely be worn piston rings. If you had someone carry out an engine cylinder compression check before buying the car you would know the likely condition of the piston rings before handing over your cash.
3. The problem is the oil change intervals in the book are for ideal/optimum running which very few owners ever do. So allowing the standard type mineral oils to run 10000 kms or so in the engine before changing will result in much more wear on piston rings, bearings and other moving parts. Furthermore many owners are too lazy or ignorant, or both, to check their engine oil levels between services and some will just skip a service to save money. They will allow the oil to run down to the add level or lower in an engine which is consuming some oil - and all engines will consume a bit. They do not bother to check radiator coolant levels either. This is the risk you run buying a used car.
4. Apart from checking for external leaks I would get a compression test done on each cylinder. If you have a significant external leak you will most likely have oil dripping on the garage floor.
5. Finally check that you do not have oil escaping into your cooling system via a failed head gasket. Look at the coolant condition in the radiator when it is cold.
Relying on a used car warranty is no substitute for getting a thorough pre -purchase inspection carried out before buying a used car because countless wear and tear items are not covered by these used car warranties.
