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Is my engine burning too much oil?
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JMac60
New User
Feb 4, 2016, 9:06 AM
Post #1 of 5
(1276 views)
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Is my engine burning too much oil?
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I drive an old, high mileage car, a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis with ~180,000 miles. It's been a great car. I've personally put over 100,000 miles on this car and have literally NEVER needed any repairs (apart from brakes and tires).
Recently I had the oil changed, and the technician told me that the oil level was very low (not registering on the dipstick). No signs that it was leaking.
FULL DISCLOSURE: While I'm usually good about changing the oil every 5,000 miles or so, this time around I let it go far too long between changes, about 17,000 miles (I have a long commute, so the miles pile up quickly).
My question is - should I be concerned that the oil level was so low, or is that what one would expect from such an old car that went so long between oil changes?
Thanks
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 4, 2016, 9:42 AM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: Is my engine burning too much oil?
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17,000 is too many miles on any engine oil no matter what they claim.
You should be checking this yourself by dipstick on a routine no longer relying on a "check oil" light some even when working require a good bit more than a quart low. I check if they work by say put just 3 of 5 if so for a car in and see if then are still working. At some age many don't.
You really don't know how low the place found it unless they measure it and drained the oil filter which would hold some that wont drain out and nobody has time for that. If dangerously low another warning for oil pressure should have aluminated which is a too late warning and perhaps some engine knocking at first. In short you may be OK just don't go that long again and do check yourself.
BTW - Many oil dipsticks mark low a quart range and the full mark. Many also don't read much below one quart low and many engines will have full oil pressure lower than one quart low. Well, it didn't seize up so it had something.
IMO - If running well now change it earlier a coupe times. Any sludge from excessive miles may clear up?
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 4, 2016, 9:55 AM
Post #3 of 5
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Re: Is my engine burning too much oil?
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I'd be more concerned about the owner that goes 17K for an oil change and never checks his oil.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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JMac60
New User
Feb 4, 2016, 10:22 AM
Post #4 of 5
(1254 views)
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Re: Is my engine burning too much oil?
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LOL! Yes, no excuse for that, I admit. I usually take meticulous care of the car, but have been on the road for work (that 17K miles was over just a few months) and let things slip.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 4, 2016, 10:41 AM
Post #5 of 5
(1248 views)
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Re: Is my engine burning too much oil?
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We'll let you off the hook this time.
With that many miles it would be expected to burn a little oil. You need to check it more often before you fry the motor.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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