Losing a quart of motor oil at 3000 miles?

Question

I have heard this is normal, but does it actually do any damage to the engine? Also, why is there the same amount of oil loss whether the oil is synthetic or "dino"?

And finally, why is there oil loss at all when there's no leaks?

Answer 1

You're burning oil, it happens as the engine begins to wear with mileage.

You're experiencing the same amount of burn off because the wearing away of metal is basically the same size from one oil change to another, in time the oil consumption will increase.

There are several products on the market that can help with burnoff. "RESTORE" is one that I've had pretty good success with.

As for damaging your engine, not if you keep the oil at the proper level.

Answer 2

when you cannot see any leaking at all, rub your finget around in the end of your tail pipe.. If it comes out black, sooty and oily, that says the engine is burning it.

Your cat converter gets mighty hot, and will burn off a lot of it, but some does manage to reach the tail pipe.

If your engine is GM's 3.1 liter, there is that intake manifold gasket issue. that gasket also will seal the water cooling jackets and some oilchannels..

Answer 3

some cars have that trademark. if it is not fouling spark plugs dont worry. change your oil every 3000 anyways so that quart is replaced. it is most likely being used in such tiny amounts you dont notice it.

Answer 4

this would be ok. it is a little oil burn or metal contact (engine wear) you should not be changing from one type of oil to another. stay with one type and brand.