Losing Engine Oil level between Services

[Arvind]

Hello Eric,

I’m from Bangalore, India 🙂 . I drive a FIAT Palio 1.6 (16V DOHC with 100 horses) petrol car. I have owned it for the last 5 and a half years. I purchased it when it had done 56000 km. The odo now reads 75000 km. My driving is not race car type of driving; however I drive briskly in the city when it’s possible and sanely when it’s not.

Nevertheless, my style of driving is not such that engine damage would be caused.

What I have noticed over the last 2 services is that the oil levels are less when drained during normal service 🙁 (service interval – 7500 km or almost 5000 miles). I have never seen WHITE smoke from my exhaust and the first time I crank her up in the morning, I always enjoy the pure aroma of Petrol fumes (u know what I mean) B) wafting out towards me.

The performance seems to be okay (although, like anyone else, I would always want a little more). Fuel consumption is not too bad either. In fact it’s better than the average claimed for this model. Engine runs very smooth. No noise at all.

Considering all this, where might I be losing oil?? This is one issue which gives me sleepless nights sometimes. Your ideas and suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Topic

[josh]

Some oil consumption is normal, how much are you losing? Oil generally results in blue smoke, white would indicate water due to normal condensation, coolant entering combustion chamber, etc. If its consuming an excessive amount I would start by pulling plugs and looking for evidence of oil burning (white deposits on plug)

[Ryan Wofford]

Engine oil consumption is normal on engines as their mileage goes up, my fathers 1997 Ford Expedition with almost 200,000 burns about a quart of oil every 1000 miles, no smoke though,usually there is nothing you can do about it unless its an oil leak, oil leaks are easily repaired but if there are no oil leaks, it is burning the oil, unless you are seeing smoke or it’s going through more a quart of oil 500 miles or so, the car should be fine. The only way to stop an oil burning situation is an engine rebuild of some sort, more than likely a top end rebuild but you might need a complete rebuild to stop the oil seeping past the piston rings. what I would do is just keep an eye on the oil level and top it off when it needs it.

let us know what happens
good luck! B)

[Author]

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