Normal Oil Consumption?
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Racer
Joined: May 2014
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From: Central MA
Normal Oil Consumption?
My stock C5 02 with 53000 miles has used about 1/2 to 2/3 of a quart in around 2800 miles and 5 months. Most of my driving is 40-45 MPH local roads with some highway. Occasional full out acceleration. Using Mobil 1 as specified. I have never seen any blue smoke but I'm not behind it either. Engine runs fine and feels strong with no concerning noises. Does this oil usage seem about what others have experienced? Thanks, Bill
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The '00 that I had was using a quart every 1200 miles. The dealer replaced the rings in the car under warranty for excessive oil consumption and never had the problem again. These cars do have a tendency to pull some oil through the PCV system and into the intake, but probably not 1/2-2/3 of a quart in 2800 miles. Doubt a dealer would consider yours as having excessive consumption, but you might want to keep an eye on it.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Pleasanton CA
The '00 that I had was using a quart every 1200 miles. The dealer replaced the rings in the car under warranty for excessive oil consumption and never had the problem again. These cars do have a tendency to pull some oil through the PCV system and into the intake, but probably not 1/2-2/3 of a quart in 2800 miles. Doubt a dealer would consider yours as having excessive consumption, but you might want to keep an eye on it.
I had the same thing done to my 01, went from 1qt. in 1k to almost 0 between changes, they only changed 1 ring on each piston and it sure solved the problem.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
using that little oil is not a problem at all. many "rebuilt engines" still use oil
when cars start to burn a quart every 1000 miles or more there is danger as it coats the exhaust valves and piston tops making detonation not only more likely, but adds to the possibility of fraging a valve or burning a ringland
a lot of that oil is going through the pcv on the 02-03 cars
my 02 uses about the same and there are no signs of oil burning on the plugs, i even had the OEM plugs in it when i bought the car. cylinder leakdown was also right around 3% which is the same as a new engine. so, no wear detected.
how i drive also has a big impact on how much oil it uses.
that said, i have no idea at all why some people are so **** about ANY oil being used as being somehow a bad thing
when cars start to burn a quart every 1000 miles or more there is danger as it coats the exhaust valves and piston tops making detonation not only more likely, but adds to the possibility of fraging a valve or burning a ringland
a lot of that oil is going through the pcv on the 02-03 cars
my 02 uses about the same and there are no signs of oil burning on the plugs, i even had the OEM plugs in it when i bought the car. cylinder leakdown was also right around 3% which is the same as a new engine. so, no wear detected.
how i drive also has a big impact on how much oil it uses.
that said, i have no idea at all why some people are so **** about ANY oil being used as being somehow a bad thing
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
I would not worry about that amount...probably valve guides leaking. You will not see smoke on cars with oil consumption issues as the catalytic converters scrub the oil smoke before exits tailpipe. My '03 uses no oil between changes...funny?!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: cookeville tennessee
The '00 that I had was using a quart every 1200 miles. The dealer replaced the rings in the car under warranty for excessive oil consumption and never had the problem again. These cars do have a tendency to pull some oil through the PCV system and into the intake, but probably not 1/2-2/3 of a quart in 2800 miles. Doubt a dealer would consider yours as having excessive consumption, but you might want to keep an eye on it.
Put a catch can on it and see what is going into it. sounds like more than the normal for the way you say you are driving the car. But again no big deal. Just look at it every 1,k miles.
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From: overland park kansas
oil
My stock C5 02 with 53000 miles has used about 1/2 to 2/3 of a quart in around 2800 miles and 5 months. Most of my driving is 40-45 MPH local roads with some highway. Occasional full out acceleration. Using Mobil 1 as specified. I have never seen any blue smoke but I'm not behind it either. Engine runs fine and feels strong with no concerning noises. Does this oil usage seem about what others have experienced? Thanks, Bill
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From: Visalia CA
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
problem seems to be more common with the z06, rpms likely a part of the equation, short gears, above 3000 often etc
i've yet to own a sports car of any make that doesn't use some oil
you guys with the auto coupes that drive tame, well, try shifting each shift at 3500-6500 or so for 3k miles and see if you still aren't using any
i've yet to own a sports car of any make that doesn't use some oil
you guys with the auto coupes that drive tame, well, try shifting each shift at 3500-6500 or so for 3k miles and see if you still aren't using any
Last edited by racebum; Aug 28, 2014 at 11:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
My Z06 has 132,000 miles on it. I do not drive it easy all the time. My usual commuting speed is between 75-80 and I like to hear my exhaust at 100 mph in third, when and if appropriate, getting on the highway. That all being said my car uses not a drop of oil between oil changes, runs perfectly.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
My Z06 has 132,000 miles on it. I do not drive it easy all the time. My usual commuting speed is between 75-80 and I like to hear my exhaust at 100 mph in third, when and if appropriate, getting on the highway. That all being said my car uses not a drop of oil between oil changes, runs perfectly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl