Oil Consumption?

[Mischi]

I have an '01 QX with 183k. I do mainly highway driving. I have noticed over the past year that I have to add a quart and a half of oil every 60 days or so. Is this normal? Does anybody know what causes this and what can be done? Other than that the car runs great. We just took a family trip from Philly to Canada and I'm contemplating driving to Florida this summer. Just wanted to know if it's a big deal. Thanks in advance.

[wisehunter1]

Yep pretty normal. Just do a little search on the forums and you'll find several proposals. Speaking of.. thanks for the reminder. I;m sure I need to add some more but I've been too overwhelmed with exams/school.

[Towncivilian]

Power valve screws are a possible cause, as is a nonfunctional PCV valve or improperly working baffles in the passenger side valve cover (read here).

[Chuck Tribolet]

How many miles in those 60 days? Miles count toward oil consumption, not time, unless you have a leak.

My '01 has 211,000 miles, burns a quart every 500-1000 miles I think (I don't track closely, just check the level every other fill up and add if
required).


Chuck

[Towncivilian]

My '01 has 211,000 miles, burns a quart every 500-1000 miles I think (I don't track closely, just check the level every other fill up and add if required).

Have you tried a high mileage oil to see if consumption slows? Perhaps you should try replacing the PCV valve; if it's malfunctioning, oil consumption may result.

[Densetsu]

The two Pathys I've had weren't too bad; they'd burn about a quart every oil change (3500 miles). They were still relatively young, though... my '03 had 134,000 miles and my current '04 just recently broke the 100,000 mile mark.

As long as there's no other annoyances, like oil on the driveway/floor or blue exhaust smoke, best is just to keep an eye on it and top off as necessary.

[Chuck Tribolet]

My '01 has 211,000 miles, burns a quart every 500-1000 miles I think (I don't track closely, just check the level every other fill up and add if required).

Have you tried a high mileage oil to see if consumption slows? Perhaps you should try replacing the PCV valve; if it's malfunctioning, oil consumption may result.

There are enough horror stories about high-mileage oils on Corvette Forum, that I won't use them

PCV valve is something to check, but IIRC, it's a major pain.

[Towncivilian]

There are enough horror stories about high-mileage oils on Corvette Forum, that I won't use them

PCV valve is something to check, but IIRC, it's a major pain.

Horror stories? Got any links? I haven't read of any issues as a result of HM oils. High mileage oils have more robust additive packages (anti-wear and detergency), are on the thicker side of their viscosity grade, and have seal conditioners to attempt to slow or stop smaller leaks or weeps.

I agree, the PCV valve is in a horrible location.

[Mischi]

I do about 800mi a week. I had not heard of any of the issues posted above but I'm going to look into both of them. Thanks all.

[zach7685]

Yep pretty normal. Just do a little search on the forums and you'll find several proposals. Speaking of.. thanks for the reminder. I;m sure I need to add some more but I've been too overwhelmed with exams/school.

amen to this!