Where is my oil going?

[col_blu]

I've searched the site (to avoid getting flamed) and I can't find the answer to my question. My S13 with 132K miles on stock engine is always low on oil. I've had it checked for leaks twice (none), so I assume it's burning the stuff. I add a quart every 800-1000 miles. The trouble is there's no smoke which is what I'd expect.

My last resort is an engine rebuild, but the shop I've chosen keeps telling me 240SX's burn oil a lot, the amount I'm losing is not terrible, and they can't guarantee I won't lose some oil even after the rebuild.

I don't want to spend the money now if I don't have to, but I also don't like doing an oil change when most of it is newer than the filter.

Any tests I can run to see what's wrong?

[Shift_Kouki]

Normally when oil goes away, its either leaking or burning. Normally leaks are simpler to fix... Or so I've heard.

It does sound like its burning a bit much... BUT you're not driving a Vtec with blown rings or anything... and adding a quart every 2 to 3 tanks sounds like a bit much.

How does your compression look???

[bone_stock_240]

I have never had to top up my KA between oil changes. Maybe I just got lucky in that sense. That definately does sound like excessive consumption though.

[EvillE423]

I've searched the site (to avoid getting flamed) and I can't find the answer to my question. My S13 with 132K miles on stock engine is always low on oil. I've had it checked for leaks twice (none), so I assume it's burning the stuff. I add a quart every 800-1000 miles. The trouble is there's no smoke which is what I'd expect.

My last resort is an engine rebuild, but the shop I've chosen keeps telling me 240SX's burn oil a lot, the amount I'm losing is not terrible, and they can't guarantee I won't lose some oil even after the rebuild.

I don't want to spend the money now if I don't have to, but I also don't like doing an oil change when most of it is newer than the filter.

Any tests I can run to see what's wrong?

Mines worse, BELIEVE ME!! Does fine, doesn't smoke, don't notice any leaks. Then one day, I'll start it up. Stop at redlight or stop sign pull out, HUGE clouds of smoke. I check, and it's a quart low. Changing the valve cover gasket helped a little. But I would also like to know because it's driving me crazy. But the SR's getting dropped in this fall anyways, so I'm not too worried about it.

[Chukidori]

To the guy above me ,have you checked your valve stem seals? That can cause what your discribing..no smoke untill after long periods of idle, or when first starting from a stop light.

Had the same problem with my 3000gt.

And a guy i know who is a nissan service technician says the KA'S are notorious for valve stem seals as well.