artemz28

03 AT max, with 155k, since last out change i burned off about 3q in 1.5k!! Its been getting worse and worse, exhuast is smoking up a s*** load and smells like gasoline a lot! Engine started knocking, until o add oil, its scaring me thou, afraid to kill the engine, idk wat to do anymore. Oil stick is pure black and smells like gas too. I drive a lot ( work on my car). Any suggestions? Ty

Gizm0

iTrader: (1)

Replace your PCV valve ($10), put some Seafoam ($9 at advance auto) in the crankcase and brake booster line to clear any gunk that may have clogged your oil drainage galleys, then do an oil change 100 miles after the seafoam.

If it doesn't help, there's a great chance your piston rings are shot. The 3.5 is infamous for having bad piston rings... In this case, you will probably need to buy another car... Any power loss? What color smoke out of the exhaust?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Seems a bit more economic to get the engine replaced with a low mileage used one, and claim it as a loss, since you work using your car as transportation.

artemz28

White smoke

Gizm0

iTrader: (1)

^ That's about $2000 in parts+labor on a car that has a KBB value of about $3000 to $4000...

It may be a cheaper short term solution, but at 155k miles, who knows what else will go next...

Mine burns a qt every 300 miles... It's very well maintained, and in great shape. I love the car and would love to keep it, but I think @ 130k miles, I'll be getting something else rather than spend 2 grand on an engine replacement...that may also be an oil burner...

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I consider myself lucky, mine is also at 130k, so I'm speaking with a little bit of bias since my car doesn't have these issues as of yet. (not that I expect it to).

But, it's paid off and the only thing that has ever been wrong with the engine was a dying MAF sensor. This occurred well after 90k.

With it being paid off, I'd rather front the bill of 1500-2000 for a used engine if that was the case. But, no oil burning here, oil looks brand new even after 5k, so I change my oil at 7500 miles.

The OP's engine sounds as if it quite past it's useable lifespan. So, OP, buy a new car or start calling around for quotes for an engine replacement.

Here's a good place to start for the actual used engines: www.car-part.com

Gizm0

iTrader: (1)

NmexMAX> Did you gut your cats or installed headers?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

That's always been my backing theory. I installed headers at 37k which was in December of 2004.

Gizm0

iTrader: (1)

That's what may have saved you... I wish I would have done the same

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I'll get a slight puff when starting her after a week of no starts though.

artemz28

Wat do u mean by claiming it as a loss?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

If you do file taxes from your current job, you can claim your car mileage on your taxes as well as any repairs associated with that car.

Check with your tax professional.

T_Behr904

Rebuild or replace the engine.