I've recently noticed that I'm losing about a quart every 2k miles. Nothing on the ground. Anyone else run into this yet? I know that I have about double the mileage of anyone else(101k), but I figure this can't be unique to me. I'll be changing my coils and plugs in another three weeks so I'll be able to tell if it's blowing out my exhaust, but I'm curious if any of you have had the same problem and know of another possible leak.

 

Wow that is alot. Go order some free sample bottles from Blackstone Labs. Send in a sample + ~$19 and request they email you the results. Mention the oil usage and they might come up with some causes based on their analysis.

 

Dumb question: how can they tell by looking at my oil where the leak is? I'll be able to visually see if it's my head gasket when I open the oil cap (foam in the oil), but if it were leaking through another gasket, how would they tell? It doesn't seem to be burning it (no blue smoke), and it's not on the ground. Almost seems like houdini is in my engine block doing hocu-pokus on my Mobil 1 synthetic!

 

They analyze it in that they can tell the condition of your internals. Sort of like a blood test for cars.

 

I know it needs a good scrubbin' inside at 100k (just starting to show a little varnish), but still don't see how it would tell where it's leaking. I'll open it up here in a month and post both pics and results. I'm sure it's a gasket somewhere... well, at least I hope it's not the rings! If I have to rebuild the top end on a weekend, then so be it. I'll have to find a local orger w/ a good garage. I'll repost after I find the cause.

 

Another dumb question: I know I have to change the PCV. Could that have an effect? Causing it to blow oil out the tail? I say it doesn't blow smoke, but, to be honest, I'm in it while it's on. If that's a possibility, I'll change it ASAP.

 

They can't tell you EXACTLY where it's leaking. ie... #4 cylinder ring....front/rear main seal. BUT since you mention it's not leaking on the ground, it indicates an internal problem. And since you can't peer inside your engine the next best thing is to get the oil analyzed. From the oil, they can tell you if you have excessive ring wear, blow by, that might POINT you in the right direction.

You can look inside the coolant, dipstick and inspect the plugs yourself.

 

My 2k2 uses about a litre (~quart) about every 5k km (3k mi). Like in your case there are no obvious leaks and the tailpipe is clean. The consumption has been pretty consistant though. I'll wait until the car is almost off powertrain warranty and get the dealer to look at it since the car runs well anyway. BTW I use Mobil 1 5W30 too.

 

You buy new? Use synthetics from the 1st oil change? If yes, you might not have allowed the engine to break in 100%.

 

Do me a favor: take it in a little early, like, say, next week and let me know what the results are!

 

I started using synthetic at 10k. Broke in the engine per the book. I drive too much to not do something like that right!

 

No. First change was at 3439 km (Castrol GTX), and next was at 9101 km (Mobil 1).

 

just for reference....i lost approx .35-.50 quart of oil every oil change (4k miles)....this was for the 1st and 2nd oil changes on my car....i'm on my 3rd oil change (bought the car used)....no leaks on the ground or in the engine bay...I will moniter how much oil I lose on this next one....i thought that was kinda weird but i'm whatevers with it....since its still not over half a quart.....btw i have 35k on the ODO mobil1 synthetic 10w-30 every 4k