Ohh no, my engine is using oil :(

[gordy]

Hey Guys,

Got my 37500km service done today and my mechanic confirmed what I thought was happening. A few weeks ago I thought I could smell burning oil after a long drive. There were lots of other cars around and some very old ones parking at the same time (rugby game) so I figured it wasnt me. Then the other day I parked alone and thought I could smell it again. I checked the oil and noticed it was down a little. Wasnt near 1/2 way and I was due for a service so I thought i'ld wait a few days and get the expert opinion and plus let them measure how much it was down...

So I picked up the car today and it was 1lt down!!! Its been 9000K since my last service. I did check the oil about 3 months ago and it appeared to be fine (but could have been down a few mls). Im going to call Subaru tomorrow and let them have a look but I'm sure they are probably just going to brush me off and say we'll monitor it. I want to bolt on a fair few mods in the next few weeks so this isnt good!

There are no leaks so obviously its been burnt off. No sign of smoke (ever) so it must be very slow.

The car isnt used much these days. If it wasnt for a Holiday it would have done more like 4000K in 6 months. I do try and warm it up each morning and go easy while its cold. Using 10w40 syntheitic.

Anyone else go through a bit of oil, if so how much?

Cheers

Gordon

[gtspec]

i believe this is a known issue so subaru should give you some attention. My work colleague had a big debate a few years back with subaru about this same issue. He posted the progress on the MRT forums but it was obviously deleted as he had top evidence and not just summaries.. i will try dig it up in google cache but i also managed to find this article which might give you some insight
http://mrtperformance.com.au/forums/sho ... .php?t=100

[Boxer]

If you can smell burning oil I'd hazard a guess its not being burnt in the combustion chamber, but prehaps leaking onto a hot exhaust somewhere? Although I see you have had your mechanic check it out and can find no leaks?

Normally if a car is burning oil its obvious through smoke whilst the catalytic converter is cold and not removing particles in the process. Its not normally noticeable through smell once warmed up.

I have had an oil leak in the past from a poorly fitted oil filter spraying oil under pressure onto the headers and yes I could smell it. (and no I didn't fit the oil filter)

That said 1lt in 9,000kms will be considered normal by most workshops (frustrating I understand) Also as the oil ages more it will burn off more easily - especially on long drives where fuel contamination and water absorbancy built up over the past 000's of km's will evaporate out and show lower oil levels. I change mine every 6250kms (I do my own change intermediately between services) and I never use any oil

[senator]

Gordy have you had your car fixed under the recall which was carried out, late last year regarding the oil return line from the turbo (I think), which was prone to cracking.

[gordy]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. Im going to chase up Subaru today to make sure there is no recall or known issue. Ive had the turbo oil pipe done.

The smell is more from the mufflers though. But I guess that's no guarantee its combustion chamber. Ive taken the under body cover off and there is no sign of any oil whatsoever on it. So if its a leak then 100% of it is burnt, no drips at all....

gtspec, was that problem you know of with a 2.5?

Thanks,

Gordon

[gtspec]

gtspec, was that problem you know of with a 2.5?

Thanks,

Gordon

yep 2.5i wagon manual.. my friend advised the same as above that subaru would most likely advised that oil usage is within the expectation.. if you got warranty still take it to them for every minor issue so they have a report list of the incidents that are occurring.. just dont expect them to actually do much..

[GTSPECB STI]

Yes you will burn some oil and no the amount your using is not exceptional. Check oil regularly and top up when required is my recommendation. Also with more power mods you can expect to burn a bit more imo. No leaks is a good sign

[Arith]

Yes you will burn some oil and no the amount your using is not exceptional. Check oil regularly and top up when required is my recommendation. Also with more power mods you can expect to burn a bit more imo. No leaks is a good sign

+1

I burn through oil quite quickly as well. Not only due to mods, but because I'll gun it like there's no tomorrow at every turn.

[gordy]

Thanks guys for all the replies.

I took the car to the dealer top get it checked out and they told me that 1L for 9000K was acceptable. Actually they gave me a printout that said up to 1L per 1000Km is acceptable , sounds more like a 2 stroke

He did point out that when I received the car it was running semi-synthetic and now ive swapped to fully synthetic. And I was told this is why Ive probably started to notice the oil loss as it will use more when running synthetic.

I bought a Jack the other week and im going to start doing the oil in between services (so every 3 months). Will keep an eye on it now that I know its more normal.

I guess the other good bit is now its on record that its a problem and should it get worse post mods I should at least have a case to claim, rather that blame it on the mods.

On another note, I noticed one of my headlights was a little darker than the others. Almost like it was tinted. I had a bit of a winge and no questions asked the service guy said "Ohh I'll just order you another". Cant fault their service on this occasion.

Thanks again for the replies guys, good to know im not alone and other have the same issue.