oil 4 qts low!!

[jmorgan456]

My wife drives a 2008 Subaru Tribeca. It is supposed to take approximately 7 quarts of oil.

It has always burned/lost oil. Today she called at work, the dipstick was bone dry. I came home and checked. The level was 4 Quarts low. She claims it was checked about 3 weeks ago. But I suspect that is not possible. I have always used Amsoil 5w-40 in that car.

I have now put a warning on her phone to remind her to check. Maybe it works. More likely, I am going to have to take over checking – but that WILL cause a fight.

Several questions…

How likely is engine damage? It has been low – but not that low – before.

What should I check? Compression?

I am debating increasing the viscosity – again. (factory specifies 5w-30). Pro/Con?

I am fairly convinced that she is NOT going to check the oil. Is there a way to install an oil level sensor light? I am sure there is, but within reason….

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

I can’t stress enough how using the correct oil viscosity is important. Also, SOMETIMES when running synthetic oil you can burn more oil than when using regular oil. In short, don’t mess with what the engineers told you to put into your engine. Deviate from that and you could open a big can of worms, including increased oil consumption. I’d recommend you do an oil change with the oil that’s called for and see if you still have the same issue after an oil change interval. If it gets better then you know all you need to do is run the recommended oil and you’ll be fine. Keep us posted.

[jmorgan456]

Update – using about a quart every few weeks. It is about +- 1000 miles.

I am trying to get a better fix on mileage, but any way you slice it, way too much usage.

[Darren]

My 2005 Durango had about 80k on it when it started to burn an excessive amount of oil. It would burn about 1 quart every 100 miles. A compression test verified that the rings were shot in #6 cylinder. along with a small blown head gasket. mechanic told me $3000 to rebuilt the engine. I bought an engine with 50k on it and swapped it out a few months ago and it doesn’t burn a drop of oil. I am now running royal purple 5w-30 in it and changing it every 3k miles. seems to be holding up nicely. plus no more $10 in oil every week.

[Josh]

I recommend doing an oil change and replacing your valve cover gaskets. Subaru’s have boxer engines in them and are known for leaks. with what you discribed your leaking a sevear amount of oil that should be more noticable then just being on the heat shielding of your exhaust pipes. Should be quite a bit on the ground too. If not there out the tail pipe in a blue-ish color of smoke. But I can’t stress enough on not running that engine with the oil light on. I talked to a Subaru guy and his experiance on doing that and 40k later his engine went out on him. But I also urge you to follow what Eric said in going with what your manual says to put in it. They know that engine better then anyone and if you deviate from that you have a 50/50 chance at the engine leaking and just not in a good state at all.

[Matthew]

[quote=”jmorgan456″ post=54833]@ Hondaguy – Thanks. I agree 4 qts is a TON of oil to be missing. There is nothing in the driveway at all. No obvious leaks – certainly not enough to explain that kind of loss. Everything I read suggests that Subaru’s have oil loss issues, but there is no obvious sootiness on the tailpipe.

I never drive the car, so I can’t say that there is any blue smoke, but I have never seen it.

I was leaning to a compression test too.[/quote]

never known a car to take 7 qts. most take only 5 mine takes 4. Try dumping some 10w30 in there see if that helps. My moms impala loses oil not sure how it burns it but no leaks, hers takes 10w30 oil i dumped a qt of 10w40 in there and its been good for about a month now still hasnt needed any. I check it once a month along with the tyres.

[Matthew]

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=57009]I can’t stress enough how using the correct oil viscosity is important. Also, SOMETIMES when running synthetic oil you can burn more oil than when using regular oil. In short, don’t mess with what the engineers told you to put into your engine. Deviate from that and you could open a big can of worms, including increased oil consumption. I’d recommend you do an oil change with the oil that’s called for and see if you still have the same issue after an oil change interval. If it gets better then you know all you need to do is run the recommended oil and you’ll be fine. Keep us posted.[/quote]

Eric, If you put say 10w30 in a car that takes 5w30 wouldnt the oil be the viscosity of 5w30 once the engine heats up anyway? I put 10w30 in my moms car (as that is what the oil cap states) but it keeps burning oil and i have to add oil every few weeks but last month i dumped an entire quart of 10w40 in and it still hasnt burned away dont seem to use oil at all anymore.

[MARK FELDSTEIN]

I see a few immediate solutions. While you may not need an engine rebuild just yet, you probably do need a marriage and family counselor.

Yes, I’d check the engine compression frequently to keep an eye on it over time; change what’s left of the oil, fill it back up and check for leaks and oil burning. Along with the 5W-30, although some might disagree, I’d toss in a can of STP oil treatment (or something like it) with every oil change from this point forward. How much damage occurred, if any, is going to depend on how far it was driven like that, how fast, and other driving conditions including engine temperature. And remember, the effects of running on very low oil may not present themselves right away, but rather over time.

You already have an oil sensor indicator device. Called a “dipstick”. Since she refuses to use it, I’d change the ignition key, buy your wife a bus pass, gift wrap it and YOU check the oil and take over the responsibility before stubbornness ruins the engine and toasts your relationship. Enroll in an auto club with an unlimited local towing and I sure wouldn’t take it on any road trips until it’s really proven itself (along with your wife).

You oughtta be checking the oil, regardless of who is or isn’t going to be the principal driver. I have to tell ya JM, in my view, life is too short, and all kidding aside over who checks the oil, pick and chose your battles wisely.

[Author]

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