Oil Consumption Diagnosis
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Oil Consumption Diagnosis
| Checks |
Causes |
DEFINITION: Excessive oil consumption, not due to leaks, is the use of 0.9 L (1 qt) or more of engine oil within 3 200 kilometers (2,000 miles).
The causes of excessive oil consumption may include the following conditions: |
| Preliminary |
- External oil leaks
Refer to Oil Leak Diagnosis .
- Incorrect oil level or improper reading of the oil level indicator
With the vehicle on a level surface, run the engine for a few minutes, allow adequate drain down time of 2-3 minutes and check for the correct engine oil level.
- Improper oil viscosity
Refer to the vehicle owners manual and use the recommended SAE grade and viscosity for the prevailing temperatures.
- Continuous high speed driving and/or severe usage
- Crankcase ventilation system restrictions or malfunctioning components
- Improper operation of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system
- Worn valve guides and/or valve stems
- Worn or improperly installed valve stem oil seals
- Piston rings broken, worn, not seated properly
Allow adequate time for the rings to seat.
Replace worn piston rings as necessary.
- Piston and rings improperly installed or miss-fitted to the cylinder bore
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