Jeff Powers Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 I have a '99 Forrester that is gulping 3 quarts of oil every 1,500-2,000 miles. No oil spots on the driveway and no excessive smoking from the exhaust. I'm also surprized that I have no other apparent mechanical problems. From reading the board, burning oil seems common, but this is excessive. I'd like to keep this car for a few more years (currently 90,000 miles on it) because my son can use it for college. I'll be taking it to the dealer soon. What should I tell them to look for/repair? I'm new to the board, so thanks for any and all replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 I cannot understand why it's burning that much oil and not smoking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 That is an obscene amount of oil. Are you certain that you are reading the level accurately? It can be tricky on these flat engines. If yes, you have a serious problem, and I am surprised that you can't find a leak or see smoke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
friendly_jacek Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 That is an obscene amount of oil. Are you certain that you are reading the level accurately? It can be tricky on these flat engines. If yes, you have a serious problem, and I am surprised that you can't find a leak or see smoke. Now, he stated: "no excessive smoking"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adnan Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Hi, Hope it isn't finding its way into the coolant. Have you checked the condition of your coolant? I suppose it's possible that the coolant overflow tank is filling up and then dumping the excess out, but you'd probably have noticed it. Regards, Adnan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Is there the slightest trace of oil under the car (engine or body)? You may have a seal that's leaking oil while driving (oil under pressure) and not when it's at rest. Maybe the oil pump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Powers Posted September 23, 2004 Author Share Posted September 23, 2004 Absolutely no oil has ever spilled, dripped or smoked - I've been looking for it for the last year. I personally replace the oil at regular intervals when the "check engine" lite comes on (effectively meaning the oil is down 3 quarts). I've never inspected the antifreeze resevoir for oil, so I'll take a look. Thanks for the ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commuter Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Sometimes a consumption like this can mean that a valve seal or guide is shot. Oil is getting drawn in thru the valve stem area. It will get burned, and you won't really notice it. The consumption is excessive, but if you consider how many revolutions your engine goes thru in a 1000 miles, this is a mircroscopic drop per rev. (I once read that if you consumed one drop per piston stroke, you'd burn up a quart in about 2 miles!) And... you should not let your oil level drop by 3 quarts before adding! Commuter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Could be a clogged PCV valve or hose. Be sure it's operating properly. Also check the inside of the air filter housing. Remove the filter and look where the hoses connect from the valve covers. There is usually a small amount of oil residue here. If there is a lot, then the crankcase pressure is high due to either the PCV system not functioning properly, or worn rings which at 90K would be rare. I have seen many clogged PCV hoses or valves over the years causing high oil consumption. Most with little or no telltale blue smoke from the exhaust. Without any external leaks, or internal passage leaks (oil in antifreeze), then the engine is consuming the oil. You must then determine how it's getting into the combustion camber, maybe worn valve guides? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 I personally replace the oil at regular intervals when the "check engine" lite comes on (effectively meaning the oil is down 3 quarts)I assume you mean the oil pressure light. This light doesn't mean that the oil is low per se, it means that the engine has inadequate oil pressure. That is extremely bad for the engine. I like to keep the level near full, but at the very least never let it get so low that you can't see it on the dipstick. This kind of abuse over a period of time could contribute to engine damage and wear that will increase oil consumption. Also, oil change interval, oil type, viscosity, driving style? Changing the PCV valve is good advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Powers Posted September 26, 2004 Author Share Posted September 26, 2004 Also, oil change interval, oil type, viscosity, driving style? Change the oil and filter every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. Subaru dealer does the oil/filter changes, so I'm not sure what they use, but I refill engine with 5W-30 Castrol GTX when oil gets low. The first 60K was long commute driving (45 miles each way to work), from 60K-90K has been short commute to daily work (5-10 minutes each way). Lots of hills here in PA, but no aggressive driving. BTW, I checked the antifreeze and see no oil residue. I'll check the air filter casing and PVC value. Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
friendly_jacek Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Some people report that autorx (http://www.auto-rx.com/) helps with hight oil consumption. Never tried myself and do not represent the product. It could be worthwile before tearing the engine... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 I would check would be the PCV system. After that the seals. These are the cheapest repairs and after that it usually gets expensive. I have a 99 Forester also that uses about a pint to an oil change. I have about 105,000 miles and all seals and the oil slinger back by the clutch were changed around 90,000 miles when it got new head gaskets and clutch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 I have a '99 Forrester that is gulping 3 quarts of oil every 1,500-2,000 miles. No oil spots on the driveway and no excessive smoking from the exhaust. I'm also surprized that I have no other apparent mechanical problems. From reading the board, burning oil seems common, but this is excessive. I'd like to keep this car for a few more years (currently 90,000 miles on it) because my son can use it for college. I'll be taking it to the dealer soon. What should I tell them to look for/repair? I'm new to the board, so thanks for any and all replies. Hi Jeff, This is an interesting problem. We all learn from the experience of other posters. Please post the results when you have the car serviced. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Powers Posted December 8, 2004 Author Share Posted December 8, 2004 Just to finish this thread and to update the curious ... I took the '99 Forester back to the Subaru dealership (third trip) and was told at high RPM the car DID blow a little blue smoke. They couldn't tell me if it was the rings or pistons or seals or whatever. Even though their thorough assesment ;-) was comforting, I opted to buy a new Forrester and trade-in the problem. I still got a fair deal, but I would have preferred to buy another make. Unfortunately, it's my wife's car and she likes the Forester. She doesn't have to deal with the problems. My advice to all car dealers: Pay more attention to complete and quality customer service in your service departments and resell business will go through the roof. Most dealers only care about sales. I ask you all - How valuable is a trusted mechanic and service station?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprintman Posted December 8, 2004 Share Posted December 8, 2004 Grab a bottle or two of Auto-Rx. Follow the directions and use dino oil and you can't go wrong. Cleaning the ring-pack and revitalising seals is agood step in reducing consumption. A thicker oil can help too. Good luck..s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johngenx Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 I gotta say that I hope no one else does some of the things from this thread. Waiting until the low oil pressure light comes on to add oil is insane. The engine is down 3 quarts? It only holds about 4! That light is a "holy cow you're out of oil" kinda light, not a "think about putting some oil in when you wish" light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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