Disappearing oil

[8v Grunt!]

I have to top the oil up on my 89 8v every 2-3 weeks (about half litre). No obvious leeks and no oil on ground under car. I use 10w40 semi synth. Any ideas anyone?

[russ-vdub]

piston rings are well gone maybe? if there is no leaks then it must be burning oil.. any blue smoke out the back?

[8v Grunt!]

No blue smoke visable. It is a bit of a mystery.

[meg1980]

Probably just burns a little bit on start up. So you dont really see it. Probably just valve guide oil seals

[8v Grunt!]

Not really anything to worry about then hopefylly. Is it worth trying a bottle of stop leak or similar?

[peaky83]

I had a simar prob not as much as you but i was told the mk2's use a bit of oil anyway, especially on short journeys and cold weather, not sure if its true but mine seems to be getting better with use.
I've done an oil change and used 15w 40 which is reccommended for high mileage older cars...

Hope this helps

Dan

[8v Grunt!]

Cheers Dan, was thinking i might try an oil change and 15w40 instead. Can't hurt so will give it a go soon.
Thanks for the input.

[takethefifth]

15W40 won't make a difference I'm afraid. Been there and tried it with no joy. 

You could try 15W50 instead, that may help.

[Leon R]

Check the state of your plugs, the tips should be fairly clean, maybe greyish but definately not black as that would indicate that the car is burning oil.

My 16v lost oil through the camshaft seal. I didn't notice it until i removed the cambelt covers as the oil sat in there, and as with you the car never leaked oil on the ground. I don't know if 8vs have the same setup but might be worth having a look.

[bobbymk11]

depends on miles ur doing as well...mk2 gti's use oil every 1000miles...give or take a few...every once in while i have to stick half a litre in sometimes 1 litre if its a lower mark on dip stick...usualy 1 litre takes it back up to max...