I have a 1994 Cadillac Seville STS, its uses some oil and smokes a bit when started. What could be wrong?

Answer 1

You probably have leaking valve stem seals. The oil sits in the oil galley on top of the cylinder head. after sitting a while, the oil will eventually seap down past the seal into the combustion cylinder. You can either pay a ton of money to get it fixed or you can just try a little thicker oil. Say 20w-50, it should stop your oil consuption. but change back in the winter to your normal oil.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I assume that you're not the original owner, right?

The bottom line is that you are burning oil. It's either blowing by the piston rings or the valves, one or the other.

In almost all cases this is caused by poor maintenance. The most common is failure to change the engine oil at regular intervals. Combustion by-products in the oil along with heat cause the formation of acids that literally eat the metal inside the engine. That's why it's critical to change the oil regularly.

At this point the damage is probably done, but the problem will continue to get worse. You can try adding a can of that goop that supposedly seals the rings, but don't expect miracles. Aside from that, you're looking at an engine overhaul or a different engine altogether.

Decision time!

Answer 3

You don't mention mileage on the car or if it sits a long time without being driven?

Assuming you've changed the oil regularly, it's probably just the valve seals. No real problem. Not worth the money you would have to spend to get new seals.

Try changing to one of the oils that is formulated for high mileage engines. It will help recondition the seals.

Answer 4

the most common cause for burning or loseing oil is your valve seals is bad or you have worn oil rings.

Answer 5

burning oil happens when oil gets into combustion chamber by leaking past valve guids or past rings..

Answer 6

burning oil .... expensive job to fix ... at least $1500..