Where's my oil gone ?

[gibby]

Right then, went to check my oil this morning and it was below the minimum line (not good  ). The car is a J reg cab with 104,000+ miles on it, I had it full serviced 4,500 miles ago and I was going to have a interim oil and filter change in a couple of weeks just to keep on top of it.
There are no obvious leaks and it doesn't blow blue smoke out of the back. The oil light goes off when the engine starts and I've not seen it flash on to warn me of a low oil level. This cannot be normal using all that oil in nearly 5,000 miles so anyone any ideas or have the same problem ? Any help appreciated.

[richandhazel]

When you did the oil change last time, did you run the car and then re-check the oil level. Usually drops down a bit when it fills a new oil filter etc.

[gibby]

It was changed (I hope) when I had the service 4,500 miles ago, it was done by a garage rather than myself so don't know what they will have done.

Just bought a genuine VW oil filter for the oil and filter change with the NRV, could it be that the present oil filter doesn't have a NRV, even then I shouldn't be using that much oil should I ?

[richandhazel]

Not having the NRV won't effect oil loss.

If you didn't or haven't checked the oil level since the garage did it then maybe they didn't top it up to the mark, or double check it after starting the car, therefore your oil consumption may not be as high as it seems......

[gibby]

Thanks Rich. I've topped it up for now and I'll keep an eye on it when I get the oil and filter changed in a couple of weeks to see how much oil they have actually put in it. I do remember that I had to top it up prior to my last service but I thought that might be a one off. I guess I need to check my oil a bit more often than I do at present.

[vwsystems]

oil levels should be checked weekly! vw engines have been known to burn up to 1.5ml thats 1 and 1/2 litre!! per 1000km thats 600 mile!!
vw have said that! as some american vw's were burning oil when brand new and owners were going ape but vw said that oil consumption was normal.........

all engines burn oil they dont need to smoke to use oil they just use it. porsches use more oil to stop piston ring wear! a bloke said he could fit new rings to stop oil consumption on porsches but he said the engine wont last as long! as porsche made it use more oil for anti wear reasons! every engine is different on oil consumption!

mine tends to burn 250ml per 95 miles roughly.....
but it is on 202000!

people think new cars dont use oil!!!!! they had better think again and read the owners manual!!!!!! because they do! no one checks there oil levels and thats why cars are in the scrappers at low miles!

some use more than others! tvrs drink oil! its just the way there built!

[winstonb]

 
While i agree you should check your oil weekly, that sort of oil consumption just aint right.  my Ghia's 32 year old aircooled engine has a few spots of oil under the engine and smokes when it starts.  Not had to top up the oil for a year and ~1000 miles.

Put it another way, your car will run dry in 2000 miles.  even 2-stoke engines dont use that amount of oil  


I reckon you might need new rings...

[richy]

I agree that all cars burn oil at a different rate.  However, my polo and golf don't burn off any (but they are quite young cars - 6 and 5 years old respectively).

Also, since when did 1.5ml = 1.5litres?  

oil levels should be checked weekly! vw engines have been known to burn up to 1.5ml thats 1 and 1/2 litre!! per 1000km thats 600 mile!!
vw have said that! as some american vw's were burning oil when brand new and owners were going ape but vw said that oil consumption was normal.........

all engines burn oil they dont need to smoke to use oil they just use it. porsches use more oil to stop piston ring wear! a bloke said he could fit new rings to stop oil consumption on porsches but he said the engine wont last as long! as porsche made it use more oil for anti wear reasons! every engine is different on oil consumption!

mine tends to burn 250ml per 95 miles roughly.....
but it is on 202000!

people think new cars dont use oil!!!!! they had better think again and read the owners manual!!!!!! because they do! no one checks there oil levels and thats why cars are in the scrappers at low miles!

some use more than others! tvrs drink oil! its just the way there built!

[Veedubgt18v]

  :oi would agree thats almost as frequent as petrol!   (if you got a heavy right foot!   )