Burning oil, Is this normal?
Discussion
Hello,
About 2 weeks ago i discovered my engine is burning some oil.
I have checked it over and have decided there is no external oil leak.
Basically i topped up the oil correctly and reset the trip, i have since covered 210 miles and have burned through another 1 litre of oil (measured another top up).
My car is a 2.0 duratec mondeo with 90'000 miles covered.
Would this oil consumption be classed as "expected" or "normal"???
Cheers
About 2 weeks ago i discovered my engine is burning some oil.
I have checked it over and have decided there is no external oil leak.
Basically i topped up the oil correctly and reset the trip, i have since covered 210 miles and have burned through another 1 litre of oil (measured another top up).
My car is a 2.0 duratec mondeo with 90'000 miles covered.
Would this oil consumption be classed as "expected" or "normal"???
Cheers
1 litre every 210 miles sounds excessive. But before taking any action - are you confident that you are measuring the oil level correctly? On a level surface, with the engine having been off for a few mins, and correct use of the dipstick?
With that level of consumption I would expect either the car to drive pretty badly, or for there to be a leak somewhere. How does it drive?
With that level of consumption I would expect either the car to drive pretty badly, or for there to be a leak somewhere. How does it drive?
I have only been measuring the oil when cold and on a nice level surface.
I do have seem to have some sort of vacum leak which is causing quite a high idle, i am currently investigating that issue.
Apart from that then yes the car does drive alright.
I have also had a good look around under the car and there is no signs of an oil leak although i do not have the benefit of specific parking space to tell if there is oil on the ground from my car.
Any ideas?
I do have seem to have some sort of vacum leak which is causing quite a high idle, i am currently investigating that issue.
Apart from that then yes the car does drive alright.
I have also had a good look around under the car and there is no signs of an oil leak although i do not have the benefit of specific parking space to tell if there is oil on the ground from my car.
Any ideas?
General Madness said:
I have only been measuring the oil when cold and on a nice level surface.
I do have seem to have some sort of vacum leak which is causing quite a high idle, i am currently investigating that issue.
Apart from that then yes the car does drive alright.
I have also had a good look around under the car and there is no signs of an oil leak although i do not have the benefit of specific parking space to tell if there is oil on the ground from my car.
Any ideas?
Shove some cheap towelling/paper under your car on a dry day. Go and have a long lunch. Come back and see if your car's piddled on its paper.I do have seem to have some sort of vacum leak which is causing quite a high idle, i am currently investigating that issue.
Apart from that then yes the car does drive alright.
I have also had a good look around under the car and there is no signs of an oil leak although i do not have the benefit of specific parking space to tell if there is oil on the ground from my car.
Any ideas?
Cheers for the replies folks,
No it is not turbocharged
The back bumper is fine, although the first 5mm of the exhaust tip is black and i do sometimes get a little puff of thin white smoke when giving it some.
With regards to the PCV, i was led to believe that if this is split it would cause the erratic idling, this would suggest to me that it may not be blocked.
Any other ideas?
No it is not turbocharged
The back bumper is fine, although the first 5mm of the exhaust tip is black and i do sometimes get a little puff of thin white smoke when giving it some.
With regards to the PCV, i was led to believe that if this is split it would cause the erratic idling, this would suggest to me that it may not be blocked.
Any other ideas?
My 928 can eat up to a litre every 500 miles (within spec and normal for a GTS) and it isn't visible as blue smoke while driving.
A vacuum leak could exacerbate an existing problem, but you'd still have to be suffering from that problem in the first place. It could be bore wear, or it could be stuck oil control rings which I think is a relatively common problem for the Duratec.
A vacuum leak could exacerbate an existing problem, but you'd still have to be suffering from that problem in the first place. It could be bore wear, or it could be stuck oil control rings which I think is a relatively common problem for the Duratec.
General Madness said:
right then,
I think i will try solving the idling issue first, see how that goes and if it improves the consumption of oil then bonus.
If it does not improve the oil consumption then what do you think is best to do? preferably from a DIY angle, im relatively handy with spanners etc...
A compression test. I think i will try solving the idling issue first, see how that goes and if it improves the consumption of oil then bonus.
If it does not improve the oil consumption then what do you think is best to do? preferably from a DIY angle, im relatively handy with spanners etc...
The oil's going somewhere, if it's not leaking from the sump plug, oil filter housing or sump gasket it's either blowing through the engine past the rings and out the back, or it's seeping into the coolant system
General Madness said:
ok,
please excuse my ignorance but how would i go about carrying out a compression test?
Also, i assume this would be measured in PSI. What would i be lloking for to tell if there is a fault?
Really appreciating the help folks,
Cheers.
£15 compression tester, most motor factors will sell them, I think Halfords will as well. Spark plugs out, tester in, start car. Some people say disconnect the fuelling, I personally have never bothered and just let it sort itself out afterwards please excuse my ignorance but how would i go about carrying out a compression test?
Also, i assume this would be measured in PSI. What would i be lloking for to tell if there is a fault?
Really appreciating the help folks,
Cheers.
I've had the 1.8 Duratec in 130hp form, tested it at around 180 across all 4 cylinders and that was a fairly leggy engine. What you might see is something like 160 155 90 150, or it might be the same across all 4. It'd be worth finding out as a general indicator so you can plan your next move.
ETA, also check the rocker cover and down the back of the block. Mine had a small leak there, new rocker cover gasket sorted it out. It'd be fairly obvious I'd have thought though if it was that
General Madness said:
I have only been measuring the oil when cold and on a nice level surface.
It is supposed to be measured with the engine hot but not running. I really think you'd be able to see/smell a litre of oil in 200 miles so I'd be looking for leaks and oily emulsion in the coolant.
Regarding the dipstick check, I did not know that i am to measure it while hot.
Although as i have measured it both times while cold then it would still give the same results as in how much has been lost.
Is this correct???
With regards to the model T, well i assume that you are either very lucky or have a somewhat money no object approach.
I was given this car for free and im trying to get it back to as near as perfect as can be. (on the cheap obviously).
Although as i have measured it both times while cold then it would still give the same results as in how much has been lost.
Is this correct???
With regards to the model T, well i assume that you are either very lucky or have a somewhat money no object approach.
I was given this car for free and im trying to get it back to as near as perfect as can be. (on the cheap obviously).
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