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I have a 2011 Chevy Malibu with 51,000 miles on it that starting losing about a quart of oil every 5000 miles after the first 20,000 miles. When I get the oil changed the mechanics say they don't see any oil leaks. Is losing that amount of oil unusual or is it nothing to worry about? The car otherwise runs fine.
That's not a problem at all, it's somewhat normal, but unless you're using synthetic oil, you shouldn't be going 5000 miles between oil changes.
Broken or stuck piston ring will leak enough oil to do this. The oil loss starts after about 2,000 miles then gets worse due to thinning of the oil over running time.
To find where your oil is going have a mechanic run a complete compression check on each cylinder to find the weak cylinder . Do this ASAP or you risk a blown engine if that stuck ring grabs a cylinder wall.
Good luck.
Would a broken or stuck piston ring make an obvious noise? The engine has a very smooth sound to it.
Based on most responses here I think I should take it to a Chevy dealer for my next oil change and let them have a look. It is still under warranty up to 100,000 miles and otherwise runs quite smoothly with no other problems.
It does concern me a little because my previous car, a Toyota, never lost any oil even when it had 150,000 miles on it. It could be nothing , I but I'll get it checked.
Would a broken or stuck piston ring make an obvious noise? The engine has a very smooth sound to it.
Based on most responses here I think I should take it to a Chevy dealer for my next oil change and let them have a look. It is still under warranty up to 100,000 miles and otherwise runs quite smoothly with no other problems.
It does concern me a little because my previous car, a Toyota, never lost any oil even when it had 150,000 miles on it. It could be nothing , I but I'll get it checked.
I wouldn't worry about it if there is no leak particularly if you are using xx-20 oil. What viscosity?
5W-30 and I do use what GM recommends, which is the dextos full synthetic oil.
x-20 oil consumption is usually higher because of the viscosity. Show it to dealer and see what he says but I think loosing a quart for 5K is within normal range. Good luck.
That kind of oil consumption is unacceptable. If the car had 150k on it and you said it used a quart every 5 K I'd say ok that normal.
While some engine designs do use more oil than others NONE are designed to use oil. You're problem could be something as simple as a clogged PVC valve or as senior as a cracked piston or rings. The last motor I tore down that used that much oil had the rings frozen in place.
If there's no leaks then the motor is burning it somewhere. The question is WHY.
If you are putting a quart in every 5k now what's it gonna be like at 100k miles. Get it fixed or dump it. Typical POS GM crap.
That kind of oil consumption is unacceptable. If the car had 150k on it and you said it used a quart every 5 K I'd say ok that normal.
While some engine designs do use more oil than others NONE are designed to use oil. You're problem could be something as simple as a clogged PVC valve or as senior as a cracked piston or rings. The last motor I tore down that used that much oil had the rings frozen in place.
If there's no leaks then the motor is burning it somewhere. The question is WHY.
If you are putting a quart in every 5k now what's it gonna be like at 100k miles. Get it fixed or dump it. Typical POS GM crap.
You'd be better off with your your old Toyota with 150k on it.
Would a broken or stuck piston ring make an obvious noise?
Obvious noise and obvious misfire.
I have the Ecotec 4 cyl in the same car and it doesn't use any oil. Zero. I use the oil life monitor for oil changes, and that usually puts the OCI at 9,000 miles. Full synthetic, Dexos1 approved.
Anyway that Ecotec is a German design that has been around in some form for 40 years-- so if you have this engine and are consuming ANY oil I'd take it in right away.
OTOH if you have that detuned Cadillac V6-- you can read online all day about oil consumption problems. And if it's running smooth, it's probably "normal".
Sigh. Guys, those of you that are saying that losing 1 qt in 5k miles is not normal, are simply wrong. None of you must do your own oil changes, on a variety of cars.
Bottom line... Losing 1 qt in 5k miles is perfectly normal. Stop saying otherwise.
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