Where's the oil??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 407
From: Naples, Florida
Where's the oil??
I need some advise..I bought a 2002 coupe with 15,000 miles on it in early November (04). The car is very clean, not a scratch on it. The Mobil 1 was changed just before I took the car and it runs like a clock. I don't use the car every day and only drive it on weekends (I've put about 1,000 miles on it in the, almost, three months since I've had it).
Anyway, about a month ago the "LOW OIL LEVEL" display showed up on the dash. I added a quart of Mobil 1 (the oil was at the "add" level on the dipstick). While I was driving yesterday, the "LOW OIL LEVEL" showed up again. When I got the car home, I checked the dipstick and saw that it was at the "add" level again. I added a quart of Mobil 1. I can't figure out where the oil is going. There isn't a drop of oil on my garage floor and the car doesn't seem to be burning any oil. I don't think this is normal, is it?
Anyway, about a month ago the "LOW OIL LEVEL" display showed up on the dash. I added a quart of Mobil 1 (the oil was at the "add" level on the dipstick). While I was driving yesterday, the "LOW OIL LEVEL" showed up again. When I got the car home, I checked the dipstick and saw that it was at the "add" level again. I added a quart of Mobil 1. I can't figure out where the oil is going. There isn't a drop of oil on my garage floor and the car doesn't seem to be burning any oil. I don't think this is normal, is it?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Can you get the build date on the car? There was a ring change very early in the 02 model year to help with oil control. Also, check the tailpipes for lots of soot and the back of the car for any black residue. Clean the car first and wax the back then drive it and check with your finger. If it is burning oil, this will usually tell.
I would also suggest the German Castrol 0W-30 as stated above. I use it in all my cars and it's high temp evaporation properties are much better than Mobil-1's.
I would also suggest the German Castrol 0W-30 as stated above. I use it in all my cars and it's high temp evaporation properties are much better than Mobil-1's.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 407
From: Naples, Florida
More info...
I found out when I was considering the purchase of the car that the factory warranty had expired in July of 04. That is evidence of the fact that the car was built early in the model year (July 2001). That being said, if the problem IS the same as the ring problem with the 2001's, does it hurt to just add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles? Adding a $6 quart of oil every once in a while would seem to be a cheaper solution than having to pay to have the ring problem repaired.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Also look at the intake manifold, on some models excess oil is sucked from the pcv valve to the throttle bottle and into the intake. That oil eventually gets burned in the combustion chamber creating lots of buildup and carbon hot spots which lead to pinging.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I think I would be hesitant to open the motor myself also. One option, if you ever do get it done, is to use some of our forum vendors who are infinitely more familiar with the motor than a dealer because they work on them all the time.
I would try a different oil, as previously stated, Mobil-1 may not be the best choice for an oil control issue to start with.
I would try a different oil, as previously stated, Mobil-1 may not be the best choice for an oil control issue to start with.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,965
Likes: 6,770
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
If it takes a quart every thousand miles and is otherwise alright, I'd opt for putting in a $4.00 (don't know where you're getting it for $6.00/quart) quart of oil occasionally--especially no more than you seem to drive it--rather than risk having the typical ham-fisted GM bozo tear the entire engine apart in some dingy corner of the typical Shivvy back room!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
Originally Posted by ROCKnROLL
2 questions:
Is the German Castrol 0W-30 synthetic?
How do you tell the difference between the German Castrol and the American Castrol?
Thanks
Is the German Castrol 0W-30 synthetic?
How do you tell the difference between the German Castrol and the American Castrol?
Thanks
Jetvette,
Switch to the German castrol, I've also got a 99frc that was using about a quart every 2k-3k miles, since switching, no more oil consumption problems. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 407
From: Naples, Florida
Update...
Originally Posted by lavla
I need some advise..I bought a 2002 coupe with 15,000 miles on it in early November (04). The car is very clean, not a scratch on it. The Mobil 1 was changed just before I took the car and it runs like a clock. I don't use the car every day and only drive it on weekends (I've put about 1,000 miles on it in the, almost, three months since I've had it).
Anyway, about a month ago the "LOW OIL LEVEL" display showed up on the dash. I added a quart of Mobil 1 (the oil was at the "add" level on the dipstick). While I was driving yesterday, the "LOW OIL LEVEL" showed up again. When I got the car home, I checked the dipstick and saw that it was at the "add" level again. I added a quart of Mobil 1. I can't figure out where the oil is going. There isn't a drop of oil on my garage floor and the car doesn't seem to be burning any oil. I don't think this is normal, is it?
Anyway, about a month ago the "LOW OIL LEVEL" display showed up on the dash. I added a quart of Mobil 1 (the oil was at the "add" level on the dipstick). While I was driving yesterday, the "LOW OIL LEVEL" showed up again. When I got the car home, I checked the dipstick and saw that it was at the "add" level again. I added a quart of Mobil 1. I can't figure out where the oil is going. There isn't a drop of oil on my garage floor and the car doesn't seem to be burning any oil. I don't think this is normal, is it?
I called a local Chevy dealer and am going there today to discuss the problem. Hopefully, they will deal with it rather than me having to bring it to the Ford dealer that I purchased it from. I'll keep you posted.
