Oil Consumption Diagnosis

Important

Complaints of high engine oil consumption are not always thoroughly investigated before major repairs are performed. During initial engine break in, it is normal for the engine to use from 1-3 quarts of oil during the first 3,000-6,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

1. Check the engine for external oil leakage and the air intake and PCV systems for excessive oil pull over.
2. Change the engine oil and filter. Four quarts of oil are required to properly fill the crankcase.
3. Reset the "Change Oil Soon" telltale lamp. Refer to Lubrication.
4. Warm the engine up and check the oil level after approximately 10 minutes with vehicle on a level surface. Note exactly where the dipstick reads, relative to the dipstick full mark.
5. Inform the customer an oil consumption test is now in progress and any oil added must be documented.
6. Record the vehicle's mileage, date of oil change and exact location of oil level on the Customer Service Order and the "Oil Consumption Test" worksheet.
7. Have the customer check the engine oil level at each fuel fill and return the vehicle if the oil level is at the "ADD" mark. If the oil level remains in the "CROSS HATCH" area, have the customer continue operating the vehicle for a minimum of 2,000 miles before returning the vehicle for final oil consumption verification.
• If the engine uses more than 1 quart of oil in 2,000 miles after the initial 3,000 mile break in period, document oil consumption usage on the Customer Service Order and perform a compression check as outlined in this section.
• If cylinder compression is found within acceptable limits, replace the valve stem seals.
• If compression is not found within acceptable limits, perform engine cylinder leakage test and crankcase pressure check. Repair as necessary.
• If the engine does not use more than 1 quart of oil in 2,000 miles after the initial 3,000 mile break in period, oil consumption is considered to be normal.