Excessive oil consumption

[redlion05]

Hello everyone.

Just wondering if this can be considered serious.

My oil has dropped below the add line on the dipstick after 7,000 kms. Is that normal for an ecotec engine?

Otherwise, can the engine have signs of wear and tear on the piston rings etc?

[redlion05]

Oh also, (if it accounts for anything), i travel on freeways alot, could that contribute to oil loss thats this significant?

[brad_m_is]

an engine shouldnt use any oil between services

[sweefu]

Any leaks?

[TI3VOM]

Didn't you say in another thread that you are using 10-30w if so that might be the reason.

[redlion05]

Yes, I am using 10w -30 and used it in my vn calais and it used very little but unfortunantly, this engine seems to drink the oil. I'm considering on taking it back to the dealership but was curious if this is considered normal? There are no signs of leaks anywhere as i check them today. The smark plugs were normal as well. Any other ideas?

[WogBoyz]

id use a 10w40 or 15w50 and see if it still does it with them

[redlion05]

I'll speak with the dealership and see what they can do. Hopefully they can rectify the issue and i don't have to pay much...or anything at all. I hate car problem....especially after spending nearly 16k on this car. URGH!!!!

Apart from leaks, is there any other way it could be burning the oil quickly? Is 10w - 30 to thin of an oil? In the booklet, it mentions that as the ideal oil and hence why i purchased it

[TI3VOM]

10w-30 is too thin in my opinion, In my cars manual it says 20w-50 normal use and 15w-50 for snow use (I think) my engine is an ecotec as well. But 20w-50 is what I use and I have no problems barely any oil loss.

[colgf]

Check your Rocker cover gaskets , coomon VY problem , oil seeps past & runs down the rear of the engine , jack up car & check if your Gearbox pan is oily & drippy, chances are its from the rocker gaskets seeping oil. Buy a new pair of rocker covers with gaskets for about $120.....

[Sean880]

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.

[VYMAD]

an engine shouldnt use any oil between services

Oh? I don't think so, any engine will use some oil between services, the higher the k's, the more oil it will use. To the op, how many k's are on it? And even for a high k engine, I would be worried about using THAT much oil. Unless of course your oil changes are only being done every 15,000 k's AND your k's are over about 200-250,000.

[redlion05]

Sorry guys. I have 149,000 kms atm and I purchased the vehicle with 142,000 kms. The oil the dealership placed put in the engine was castrol magnetec 10w - 30.

Today I removed the existing oil and oil filter with a new oil and filter. The oil is Castrol Modern Engine 10w - 30. It running good atm and is at the full mark. I also replaced the spark plugs and fuel filter too. I'd consider doing a compression test but just wondering, do i remove all the spark plugs before placing the compression tester in the spark plug hole? Also, how much could i expect to pay for a compression tester for my vy?

[redlion05]

oh btw, i didn't find any leaks evident around the rocker cover or next to the transmission sump and there is no oil to be found in the radiator cap.