7.3 Oil Consumption

[Disc0_steve]

I brought my truck in for its first oil change at 5,000 miles recently. The service writer didn’t mention it to me, but I noticed when I went to file the service record that the tech put a note that it was 2 quarts low. Has anyone else had any excessive oil consumption? It isn’t leaking so it must be burning it, right?
I’d like to hear your thoughts on it.

 

[thevol]

Mine is fine but it is not uncommon for that to happen during break in. See what it does next change.

 

[MoKan]

^^ This

Break-in usually has increased consumption until the rings and seals wear into their respective mating surfaces.

Also, I would expect at least 1/2 qt. of "normal" oil loss for that number of miles, more if you run it hard and fast. Add in additional losses from the oil filter, oil stuck in the cooler lines, etc., and I would not sweat it.

 

[SVT4X4]

People may disagree, but my understanding is most any OEM's consider it normal for up to one quart per thousand miles. I have even seen some performance and off road oriented vehicles, include Jeep saying one quart per 500 miles.

This might seem like a much more prevalent issue, and in most cases it is only because of extended oil drain intervals where it is on more peoples radar. But in some cases it is more of an issue because of low tension pistons rings, thinner weight oils, and for some engines four valves per cylinder instead of two.

 

[SVT4X4]

People may disagree, but my understanding is most any OEM's consider it normal for up to one quart per thousand miles. I have even seen some performance and off road oriented vehicles, include Jeep saying one quart per 500 miles.

This might seem like a much more prevalent issue, and in most cases it is only because of extended oil drain intervals where it is on more peoples radar. But in some cases it is more of an issue because of low tension pistons rings, thinner weight oils, and for some engines four valves per cylinder instead of two.

I should have mentioned if you have an oil consumption complaint, there is a normal procedure they do at the dealer before they would perform any mechanical repairs. This vary' s depending on the manufacture or engine, but can include installing a die in the oil, and also making sure the oil is properly filled, then having you drive the vehicle for a period of time, and then validating the oil level.

 

[Loshad]

I broke in my '16 F150 3.5 EB according to the Drive It Like You Stole It school of thought. In the 31,000 miles since I don't think I've ever added oil between changes. I hasten to add that I will not be doing that on the 6.7 - strictly by the book.

 

[jhblaze1]

People may disagree, but my understanding is most any OEM's consider it normal for up to one quart per thousand miles. I have even seen some performance and off road oriented vehicles, include Jeep saying one quart per 500 miles.

This might seem like a much more prevalent issue, and in most cases it is only because of extended oil drain intervals where it is on more peoples radar. But in some cases it is more of an issue because of low tension pistons rings, thinner weight oils, and for some engines four valves per cylinder instead of two.

My Jeep burned oil like crazy. I didn't know it either. I was like 1000 miles over oil change and then moved to LA from Boston. Jeep was shipped out. Then I totally forgot about oil change and commuted 60miles round trip in it for like 2 months. One day the engine light came on and it went into limp mode. I limped it straight to the nearest shop.

They called me and said, yeah your Jeep had basically no oil in it. On the write up there was a note "advised customer that oil is an important fluid for the proper function of engine".. is it though?

 

[JC_Tremor]

Bought a new BMW 135i back in 2012 and it did the same thing. Seems the norm, although, continue to monitor as a CYA.

 

[jhblaze1]

some amount of oil is going to turn to mist and get rerouted into the intake via the crankcase breather system and burn off, but losing quarts of oil seems like a lot. It also could have not been filled all the way to begin with.

I'd keep an eye on it. if it keeps happening I'd want them to do a leak down test to see if there's a real blow by problem.

 

[Red Forman]

The last vehicle I owned that lost oil between changes was a ‘94 Nissan.

 

[Mainer32]

At least you didn’t have this type of oil consumption after only 70 miles....

 

[Gingersnap155]

At least you didn’t have this type of oil consumption after only 70 miles....

Dang that sucks. Cooler line failure?

 

[Mainer32]

Not sure yet, I had the dealer take it first thing this morning. I wasn’t even going to look past the initial glance, as I was a little upset. Good thing I didn’t have a longer ride home!