Oil Consumption Observation

[Andrewsreef]

My 1997 LX450 still seems to consume a little oil even after the HG repair. I use about a quart after 2000 miles (first oil change after the HG repair) My truck is a daily driver and I have a short drive to work (about 7 miles but sometimes heavy traffic). I am using Mobil 1 Truck and SUV

I changed my oil a month and a half or so before our trip to NC mountains. I put 1300 miles on the truck driving most of the time near 80 MPH. The truck used no noticable amount of oil on the trip (had about 2k on it in total since the oil change. I would expect to use more oil on a trip (high speed) than around town if I was having a problem with "blow by". I get back to Jacksonville and drive about 700 more and the truck is a quart low??? I have no oil leaks that I can find and the bottom of the pan stays very dry.

I am wondering if my daily short trips has something to do with the consumption. The owners manual mentions consumtion on short trips (due to fuel mixing)

I also found out I have a cracked Air Cleaner Tube which I just ordered from C-Dan (Thank you!!!). Not sure how if at all that could play into the issue.

Any thoughts on this.

Thanks

Andrew

 

[snowcruiser]

Maybe try to get your oil analyzed for some insight. Blackstone Laboratories does it search for them on the web. @ $20 a pop. I must also say that after putting in a new PCV valve and three oil changes with Mobil 1 5w-30 I now have zero consumption after 5000 miles. When I got the truck with 70K it burned a quart every 1K miles. My last analysis said I could extend my intervals to 6000+. I'll be turning 100K tomorrow

 

[Andrewsreef]

Well it is good to see that things can improve.

Thanks for the info.

Andrew

 

[Draken]

Andrewsreef,

I notice consumption behaviors very similar to yours...I have just gotten accustomed to checking my oil weekly and carrying an extra quart or 2 in the back. I will have to change the PCV to see if it improves anything.

 

[MoJ]

Checking the oil cold vs. hot make a huge difference on mine. I had (in error) thought I was using oil but always check it cold now and doesn't seem to be a problem. I also changed the PCV recently but have been told it really doesn't make that much difference. Dunno for sure.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I think the shorter trips (stop & go) do burn more oil. Switching to a thicker oil like Rotella T syn 5w40 or Delvac 1 5w40 might help if you're using 5w30 dino. At least it seems to have helped me in both my old 22rec and newer honda. No way do I touch 5w30 anymore...that stuff's like water in comparison.