Sudden high oil and fuel consumption 2018 Connect 1.5
Discussion
My previously well behaved 60k mile van has alarmed me by dislodging the dipstick and spraying oil around the engine bay. Subsequently, the oil level was low, and earlier in the day, I'd already been given cause for concern by observing 26mpg on an admittedly short journey.
With the engine running, and the oil cap removed there is a significant release of air. On the plus side, had I not seen the issue with the dipstick, other than the fuel consumption, there was no indication of anything being untoward, no noises, no codes or warning lights, no oil underneath, and nothing from the exhaust, which is still visibly clean and smoke free. To drive, it feels unaffected.
I'm assuming a blocked pcv valve is my starting point, the internet suggests this to be a common issue at less than the mileage on mine. This, typically in the way of manufacturers answering questions no one has asked, is now part of the rocker cover, and is £92, instead of the pence they were on previous generations.To add substance to the theory that this valve is the culprit, independent companies are now manufacturing the valve separate to the rocker cover, but I'm meant to be at work tomorrow ( not happening now ), I can get a complete rocker cover at 8 in the morning, whereas a valve on it's own won't arrive until Wednesday. I've ordered both, and will replace the original to keep as a spare.
All of this is great, but obviously my concern is that this doesn't work. At which point, I'm looking at an engine tear down or replacement options. Anyone been through similar?
With the engine running, and the oil cap removed there is a significant release of air. On the plus side, had I not seen the issue with the dipstick, other than the fuel consumption, there was no indication of anything being untoward, no noises, no codes or warning lights, no oil underneath, and nothing from the exhaust, which is still visibly clean and smoke free. To drive, it feels unaffected.
I'm assuming a blocked pcv valve is my starting point, the internet suggests this to be a common issue at less than the mileage on mine. This, typically in the way of manufacturers answering questions no one has asked, is now part of the rocker cover, and is £92, instead of the pence they were on previous generations.To add substance to the theory that this valve is the culprit, independent companies are now manufacturing the valve separate to the rocker cover, but I'm meant to be at work tomorrow ( not happening now ), I can get a complete rocker cover at 8 in the morning, whereas a valve on it's own won't arrive until Wednesday. I've ordered both, and will replace the original to keep as a spare.
All of this is great, but obviously my concern is that this doesn't work. At which point, I'm looking at an engine tear down or replacement options. Anyone been through similar?
Forgot to update this. Worth mentioning for the associated weirdness that came with the fix. I elected to simply remove the new pcv valve from the new rocker cover rather than waste significantly more time swapping the lot for no benefit. Glad I did, had I swapped the lot, I might never have discovered the peculiar outcome. Upon removing the original pcv, it transpired that the diaphragm and large spring were present and correct, but the plunger and associated spring that are meant to sit in the same housing, directly behind, were completely absent without trace. The original diaphragm appeared to be in perfect condition.
The van's on 60k. I bought it 5 years ago with 35k on it. It showed no sign of these bits ever having been replaced, and I would expect there to be at least marks on the housing clips had someone been in there. I have no idea about the effect the missing parts would have on the ability of the valve to function. correctly, but clearly they aren't critical given the mileage covered without incident.
Regardless, I'm pleased to report that the van appears to be completely fixed, and has since done about 500 miles at 43 mpg without any obvious issues. So I'll take it as a win and a comparatively cheap fix.
The van's on 60k. I bought it 5 years ago with 35k on it. It showed no sign of these bits ever having been replaced, and I would expect there to be at least marks on the housing clips had someone been in there. I have no idea about the effect the missing parts would have on the ability of the valve to function. correctly, but clearly they aren't critical given the mileage covered without incident.
Regardless, I'm pleased to report that the van appears to be completely fixed, and has since done about 500 miles at 43 mpg without any obvious issues. So I'll take it as a win and a comparatively cheap fix.
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