My car is burning oil - Democratic Underground

MissMillie

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:25 AM
Original message

My car is burning oil

I'm religious about checking it and adding it. Seems every week I have to add a quart. Why? Do I need to be worried that a very expensive repair is on the horizon?

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shoelace414

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:25 AM
Response to Original message

1. you sure it's burning it and not leaking it?

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MissMillie

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:27 AM
Response to Reply #1

2. There are no spots in the drive

so my guess it' it's not leaking.

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BlueJazz

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:32 AM
Response to Reply #2

3. Are you getting lots of smoke from the exhaust? N/T

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MissMillie

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:52 AM
Response to Reply #3

8. no, but it's noisy

I know I need a muffler

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McKenzie

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:35 AM
Response to Reply #2

6. could be knackered piston rings

if it's high mileage, or has been run on low oil levels. That's the commonest reason for engines burning excessive amounts of oil. What's the mileage? Do you get a lot of smoke at the exhaust? Is it petrol or diesel?

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MissMillie

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:53 AM
Response to Reply #6

9. petrol

It's about 180K miles. I don't get a lot of smoke.

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McKenzie

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Tue Nov-30-04 12:19 PM
Response to Reply #9

12. 180K is a lot for a petrol engine

might need a top end rebuild but would the cost be worth it? Maybe ask someone you know who has vehicle repair experience to have a look informally then take the car to a garage for confirmation. Without actually seeing/hearing the engine it's difficult to say exactly what's up but the high mileage suggests engine wear. The absence of smoke is odd though if the engine's using oil. Could be leaking oil as someone else has suggested but you just don't know it.

Bit of a bummer.

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One_Life_To_Give

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Tue Nov-30-04 12:13 PM
Response to Reply #2

11. Wet/Dry Compression test

You will need to do a Wet and Dry Compression test to see what is going on. Could be a valve stem seal or could be rings.

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pk_du

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:33 AM
Response to Original message

4. A quart a week and no leaks.....does indeed sounds like a

Edited on Tue Nov-30-04 11:33 AM by pk_du

major/expensive repair is on the way.

1. Is the exhaust noticably cloudly/smokey?
2. Are you in position to trade-in for new car...if so think about doing it soon
3. If not - should get reputable mechanic to check out/estimate.

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Cyndee_Lou_Who

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:35 AM
Response to Original message

5. Look on the bright side....

I had a Blazer that burned oil in a BAAAD way. I would accelerate from a stop, and a stanky smoke screen blew outta my exhaust. Now that it's gone, I kinda miss the James Bond-y smoke screens I could emit on the white Lexus with tailgating issues.

Seriously, you should get checked out. Gaskets and whatnot are likely bad and you are likely doing further damage, Good luck!! :)

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Township75

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Tue Nov-30-04 11:41 AM
Response to Original message

7. The seals around one or more of your pistons may have failed.

I imagine that could be expensive, but I really don't know.

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jukes

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Tue Nov-30-04 12:02 PM
Response to Original message

10. be wary of mech shops!

they'll often sell you more than you need.

if you have worn piston rings, @ 180K miles it may not be cost-effective to have the work done. you *shd* notice bluish/black exhaust if that's the prob. since you've posted that your exhaust leax, check under the car while it's running to see if a cloud develops elsewhere than tail-pipe. have some1 rev engine to +3k rpm & release throttle while you look.

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BlueJazz

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Tue Nov-30-04 12:26 PM
Response to Reply #10

13. Yep..you're right about it probably not being cost affective.

With an engine with that many miles on it, it's due for an overhaul and more trouble can be expected from things like wheel bearings, transmission hassles, CV joints and a host of other crap. My advice is to start looking for another good used vehicle. With a 180,000 miles on the car, frankly...it's not worth more than 2 or 3 hundred dollars....(if that!)

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