Oil Usage

[SwampySi]

Just got back for a lovely sunny drive out and thought I'd check the oil when I got back. To my surprise it was really low, just registering on the dipstick. My drive isn't perfectly flat and does slope slightly downwards (back was lower than front), but I didn't expect to see it that low. I've done about 1.5k miles since I last checked. Is this normal oil usage or something to be concerned about?

The car is running sweet, no puffs of smoke that I've seen.

It's due a service in 2-3 weeks but better top it up a little before then, what's the recommended oil to use, and how much should I put in it? (I don't want to put £30 of oil in it then have them drain it all out 3 weeks later when the service is done).

[shep1001]

SwampySi said:

Just got back for a lovely sunny drive out and thought I'd check the oil when I got back. To my surprise it was really low, just registering on the dipstick. My drive isn't perfectly flat and does slope slightly downwards (back was lower than front), but I didn't expect to see it that low. I've done about 1.5k miles since I last checked. Is this normal oil usage or something to be concerned about?

The car is running sweet, no puffs of smoke that I've seen.

It's due a service in 2-3 weeks but better top it up a little before then, what's the recommended oil to use, and how much should I put in it? (I don't want to put £30 of oil in it then have them drain it all out 3 weeks later when the service is done).

1 Litre min to max. I burn about 1/2 litre per 1000-1200 miles. I use more if I run on 0w-40 so now stick with Str8six choice of 5w-40 mobil synt-S (or what ever its called now). Other people have their preference on grade but thats their choice

Shep

[SwampySi]

Thanks..

Looking at it i've done bit over 1.5k so sounds about right as when I checked it wasn't right on the max anyway..

[rolex]

You should find oil type on your last service invoice from the garage
Did you check oil immediately after stopping? I usually leave it for a few minutes before checking mine.

[SwampySi]

It was probably a few mins after stopping.. just enough time to go into the garage for a rag and back again.

[shep1001]

rolex said:

You should find oil type on your last service invoice from the garage
Did you check oil immediately after stopping? I usually leave it for a few minutes before checking mine.

I always worked on within 30 secs of switching off the engine?

[sibo99]

i go through more than that and i check my levels every 2 runs [100miles approx]

[SwampySi]

I obviously need to be checking mine more often

[slimtater]

Pleased to say mine has not needed (or used?) any in the last 3000 miles and I also thought you had to check whilst it was warm straight after switching off?

I pull on to a flat surface, open bonnet, don gloves, loosen tank cap, switch off, wipe and re-dip then check.

[Zippee]

SwampySi said:

It was probably a few mins after stopping.. just enough time to go into the garage for a rag and back again.

Probably too late TBH, the oil does drain back pretty quickly.
For what it's worth I've not once had to top up between services, currently on almost 23k and she doesn't use a drop of oil.

[KillerJim]

I check the Sagaris every week (oil + water, and various other bits and bobs) and she hasn't used any oil since her last service (4k miles)

[S6 ROR]

Same here, never had to put any in my Sag, check it fairly regular and comming up to 20k miles now

[Jasper Gilder]

As they get older the oil seems to run back faster out of the tank

Simple solution - check it with the engine idling

Just had to put about a half litre in my Sag as it's just coming up to its 84K service....

[SwampySi]

It's in for a service in 2 weeks to I'll get them to check it out and fill it up. From now on I'll check it more often and when still running.

[KillerJim]

Jasper Gilder said:

Just had to put about a half litre in my Sag as it's just coming up to its 84K service....

84k miles

That's fantastic mileage, has she had a rebuild at all?