Oil Problems?

[pdl450]

Had a '98 450 since the end of may. done 850 miles and enjoyed every since mile. When i got the vehicle it had been serviced and i checked the oil about day 2 or 3 of ownership and it was full. Now the car has been running great and no sign of it burning oil or leaking, nowever i checked the oil today after the car had been sitting 24 hrs and it is under the fill line. It is in fact as low as the l on the word oil.

Do i have a problem or is this normal to burn this much oil?

Edited by pdl450 on Friday 29th June 19:39

Edited by pdl450 on Friday 29th June 19:39

[nikman]

It can vary due to factors such as was there any slope on the ground when you first checked it - or when you last checked it? Was the engine up to normal operating temperatures both times? Unless these two conditions at least were absolutely the same there will be a variance on the reading. I know it's obvious but you have pushed the dip stick fully home before withdrawing it to check haven't you??

Remember - it doesn't have to be at the 'full' line. Anywhere between the min and max is fine but not outside that band.

Nick.
P.S. My Chim is also a '98 450.

[350zwelgje]

Do you know the oil that is used? As some can be too thin. If any doubt there is a thread to post your questions. Burning a litre per 850 miles should still be ok (although my 3.5 from '87 uses a lot less...), but RV8s like to be topped up to maximum. Top up, keep an eye on the level, and in the mean time enjoy the drives and find the correct oil type.

Rob

[pdl450]

The vehicle was in the same spare (which is flat) and not run for at less 24 hrs both times i checked it and the dip stick was fully home both times. it was however at full the first check and well below the min line today.

[That Daddy]

Try looking underneath the car when its running and hot,slip a large clean piece of lino or cardboard under the car to see if you have any leaks 1st before you panic it may be nothing more than a faulty oil lamp switch(that only leaks when its running) as 350welgie states try to find out what oil you have fitted,if it as something like the current Mobil 0/40 oil in it this will burn rapidly(to thin for this old RV8 motor)not to the point it will smoke though.

[pdl450]

Had the car checked when hot underneath, no problems.

I do not know what oil is in but i have been advised it will run fine on 60/40, so i was think off topping up and keeping a eye on it, as the car running fine may not that much of a problem. Just my mind panicing.

[s5tuart]

My 500 is using about a litre per 500 miles but there are absolutely no signs of any leaks.
I'm using Shell Helix 5W-40. The car has always run on this for the past 3 years according to the previous owner. Should I use something a bit more treacly then?
Does the oil use go up if you drive "exuberantly" or even just commuting the daily 3 miles to and from work?
Thanks.