Adam013085

I don't it's normal to burn 1 quart every 1k miles like some say it is but if you aren't experiencing any other issues it's probably cheaper and less of a PITA to add oil every thousand miles although a bigger issue may rear its head at some point.
My current 04 STX 4.6 with 83k miles on it burns around 1 quart between oil changes, which is what I'd consider normal. I use 5w20 Mobile 1 full synthetic. I used 5w20 Motorcraft semi-synthetic prior to my last 2 changes and had the same results.

FrozenTundraGuy

I have an 06 5.4l since new. I used Mobil 1 5W-20 and have used it since my first oil change-60K on it now. Never used any oil on long trips towing my travel trailer (3-4K), but do when driving in town w/o a load. Recently it is using about 0.5 qts in 2K using Valvoline full Synthetic 5W-20 on my last change. With Mobil 1, would use about 0.5 qt in 1-1.5K. I also used to see some blue smoke upon start-up with Mobil 1 when truck sat for several days or longer w/o use. Since I just changed to Valvoline-haven't noticed that-plus it sounds just a little bit quieter than when using Mobil 1. I got a good price on Valvoline, so I'll use it for the next 2-3 changes at least. I go about 5-6K on oil changes. Dealer told me when under warranty it is normal for ford engines to use some oil-so more than others. this is my first truck-so I can't compare it to anything else.

650NutKase

If memory serves me correct, Subaru deems 1 qt / 1k miles "normal" lol. My 5.4 uses about .5-1 qt every 5k. If you are still burning 1qt per 1k after switching to M1 10w40, I think it's safe to say there is definitely an issue going on....May need to re ring the engine...

techrep

iTrader: (1)

I'm with Nutkase.. my 08 since new has had nothing but, 5W-20 motorcraft in it.. just @80K now and @ 5K it mite be .5 low.

hahanson

Probably a little wear on one or more rings, or possibly build up causing the rings to not expand fully resulting in oil getting burned (valve stems/seals can also allow excess oil in to the cylinder), but not drastic enough to smoke out the exhaust. I remember being told that if an engine lost a drop of oil per revolution, you'd likely make a mile or so before running out of oil....

I just turned 130k and the 5.4 burned less than a quart in 6000 miles.

Our Mazda with 60k , which runs 0W-20 used less than a half quart in 6000 miles.

Run full synthetic in both. Mobil 1 for the Mazda since brand new, and Pennz Ultra 5W-20 in truck for the last bit as I got some a while back for a really good price.

Some oil usage is always present, to varying degrees.

We would however replace engines under Ford factory warranty if oil usage was near 1 quart per 1000 miles. That's considered excessive. We did several engine replacements (they just replaced with long block) due to oil usage in the late 80's mid 90's, but it was hardly common for engines to use anywhere near that amount.

I was a SM for a Subaru dealership in the mid 80's. I can tell you for certain (at least during that time) a quart per 1000 was considered excessive. Can't imagine since that time it's become "normal"....

Mulestang

Would pulling the plugs to inspect for excessive oil residue be of any benefit? Wouldn't burning that much oil put a plug at risk of being fouled?

nrivera04

Hard to say. I lose up to 2 quarts in between oil changes yet not one puff of smoke or drop of oil anywhere. I would assume if the plugs are fouling, you'd be smoking

650NutKase

Hahanson,


http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...tion/index.htm


"Audi, BMW, and Subaru stick firmly to the statement that oil consumption is a normal part of a car’s operation. Subaru considers a quart burned every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable. Certain Audi and BMW cars’ standards state that a quart burned every 600 to 700 miles is reasonable."

hahanson

Strange... that's absolutely ridiculous.

I wonder if they were saying that to try and avoid losing the oil consumption lawsuit filed against them?

They actually ended up settling by agreeing to extend warranties and reimburse drivers for certain costs from the alleged defect that is causing their vehicle’s engines to use excessive amounts of oil.

They also agreed to extend their 5 year, 60,000-mile to an 8 year, 100,000-mile warranty.

But, as the title to the article you referred to:

Excessive oil consumption isn't normal.

Automakers say adding oil between scheduled changes is acceptable. It's not.

Perhaps the settlement of the lawsuit reflects that...

Edit: It's also interesting that according to Subaru's own TSB, the "quart per 1,200" comes with the disclaimer, "under certain conditions".

• When the engine is new and within the break-in period (during the first 1000 miles of operation)
• When the engine oil being used is of lower quality (other than “Energy or Resource Conserving” API Engine Oil
Classification SM or SN or ILSAC, look for the starburst design with GF-4 or GF-5)
• When the incorrect oil viscosity is used (viscosity other than 0W-20 in the case of these specific vehicles)
• When engine braking is employed (use of the transmission’s gear ranges to decelerate while using the engine to apply resistance)
• When the engine is operated at high engine speeds (continually or under frequent, hard acceleration)
• When the engine is operated under heavy loads (frequent carrying of heavy cargo, passengers or trailer towing)
• When the engine idles for long periods of time (may be related to frequent use of a remote engine start system)
• When the vehicle is operated in stop and go and/or heavy traffic situations
• When the vehicle is used under severe temperature conditions (cold or hot)
• When the vehicle accelerates and decelerates frequently

Under these or similar operating conditions, the oil level should be checked more frequently. The engine oil and filter may also need to be changed more often. As per the Owner’s Manual, engine oil consumption under these conditions may be as high as 1 quart per 1200 miles.

So essentially the article seems to be a bit of a misquote (or at least taken a bit out of context), as the TSB is not stating it's normal, but could happen if one or more of the extreme or unusual conditions above apply.

hahanson

Changing plugs in the 5.4 can be... challenging.

If it's not misfiring or running rough, chances are that the plugs won't foul. They'll likely be darker than normal, but oil consumption can be excessive without it ever being enough to actually foul the plugs.

All engines consume oil. Even those that are excessive are not indicative of other failures, or even that a failure may be imminent. Chances are good as the engine gets more wear and tear, oil consumption will rise.

Still, there's nothing saying it won't last for several hundred thousand miles like a normal engine - unless it actually runs out of oil somewhere along the way.