Oil Consumption

[StephenEggo]

I have a Golf Gti 8V with 138,000 miles on the clock. The engine runs great and pulls very well however i am concerned about the oil consumption on the car. I currently have Duckhams semi synthetic 10-40w in the car. I changed the oil at 134,000 and since then the car has used around 1 1/2 litres of oil.

I think this is rather high and i have checked the car for any visual leaks and there are none significant enough to amount for that oil used. I think this may point to the valve stem oil seals being on there way out. Is this possible?

I heard putting halfords 20-50w in the engine may cure the problem? What oil do you guys recommend?

Thanks

[Bluefox]

Hm, I think it's a bit on the high side - but isn't normal consumption considered 1/2 litre every 800-1000 miles?
Anyway, I wouldn't use the Halfords 20w50 as it's a pure mineral oil designed for cars pre 1970. In any case you'll need to replace it after about 2000-5000 miles of driving. If it's a thicker oil you want, try a 15w40 semi-synthetic - I think VW dealers do a version of Synta in that viscosity.

[kittie]

My 8v has 142K on and uses a load of oil, probably around the same as yours does.... it does smoke a bit if you push it though...... am getting a rebuild when I can afford it!

[jezza16v]

Less than 1/2 litre per 1000mls.......on 138k........you have no worries at all 
Changing the oil type will make little difference to consumption, 20w-50 is a bit too thick for modern engines, It'll just work the engine harder when cold and take longer to get to the bits that matter. I'd stick to the proper VW synta stuff, its good and cheap as well.....

[cняis]

10w40 semi synth

216k miles on my 8v GTI  :embarassed:

uses about 0.5 litre every 2 weeks / 350 miles  :embarassed:  :embarassed:

but mine does smoke like a trooper on start up 

[Thom89]

Youv'e used  a ltr and a half in 4k on a 138k motor that leaks a little... you have no worries! I'm sure theres people here that would give there right arm for that  sort of consumption
Tom

[rubjonny]

Crevice: Classic stem seals that!  Keep your eyes peeled for a 2.0 8v bottom end and a spare head thats flat.  Rebuild the head with new seals, grind the valves in and fit to the 2.0 with a new metal head gasket and throw it in, job done