Oil consumption?

[mindaugas]

Sorry, I know this has been discussed MANY times before. I read through several threads, but still don't understand the issue.

Does the oil consumption effect all vx motors?
I just got one with 111k, since it's made it this far am I in the clear? I saw a lot of posts regarding motors dying young with 70k less miles.
What is the cause of the oil consumption? Is there a fix, and why no recall for such a widespread problem?

[mindaugas]

I just put 200 highway miles on it between 70-75mph. Dipstick looks ok, but from what I read I won't see anything until 1k miles. Dealer gave it an oil change as far as I know. Sorry, just a little worried and surprised I never ran across this when trolling the forums. May have been blind, I've wanted a VX for so long.

[PK]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.
Oil usage does appear to be a random thing, and the motor either suffers from it to some degree, or doesn't have the problem at all.

I am one of the lucky ones that uses no oil until I get up near the oil change period, then only a very small amount.
There are a lot of theories why - most likely the design of the piston and rings, and blocked drain holes in the ring grooves.

But there really is no concrete proof, nor any reason some are affected and others not.

I would suggest you keep an eye on your oil level each tank full of gas, or each week, until you have some confidence in the pattern your motor is showing.
Then adjust your oil checking to suit.
I check mine on the 1st of each month now, and can do so with complete confidence.

It's a small price to pay for having such a fun car to drive.

PK

[mindaugas]

Thanks PK, after even more reading that seems to be the case. I also have a 2000 Foxfire and apparently the 00 and 01 are less likely to have the problem. I'll keep an eye on it and first change will be mobil1. I traded a Legacy I traded in had 220k, plan on doubling that on the VX Blast to drive, and gorgeous!

[Anita]

There are many owners here who do not have the oil consumption issue.

People have pointed to the clogged EGR and to the PCV as culprits. Some believe that the issue rears up early in the breaking in period. Unchecked, it becomes a permanent issue for the life of the engine. Know that not all PCVs are created equal; cheaper ones may not be as efficient just because they are new (mechanic's 2 cents).

[VXjunky]

i talked to my porsche mechanic today about the oil consumption....he swore he'd only work on german cars, however the VX seems to have intrigued he so he's bent his rule and is taking on my VX...his thoughts are the oil consumption is related to the pcv valves...for what thats worth...AT ANY RATE...im going wqith the pcv valve change next oil change , and every other after that....

[VX KAT]

Welcome to the forum, you'll love your VX.
I compiled a list of threads on the issue. You've probably read all/most but here's the list anyway, all in one tidy place.
My '01 with 75k doesn't consume a drop until I hit the highway for about 8 hrs straight. I change my PCV at every oil change, just because it's cheap to do so. You may have also seen the thread from yesterday and today discussing the PCV valve brand, quality, problems, etc...

Here's some of the threads on oil consumption, engine failure, polls, experience, etc....feel free to add on any pertinent threads I didn't list. Makes for a good reference to keep the pertinent threads all in one post.

EDIT: These links didn't work...I've fixed them now....



http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...E+FAILURE+POLL

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...E+FAILURE+POLL

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ngine+oil+poll

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...184#post166184

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...light=axiom+DI

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...light=axiom+DI

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ght=iamironman

Here's the thread from Iamironman...
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ght=built+2000

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ine+swap+axiom

Several theories on Isuzu design defect in rings that causes oil consumption:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...rand+pcv+valve

[VXjunky]

thanks VX Kat...for all your insight and help

[Mile High VX]

with some interesting reading as well:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=17228

[VXjunky]

FYI VXKat...yours and my VX are at the same mileage and same year .... may i ask when you intend on doing the timing belt and water pump?...john

[Mile High VX]

FYI VXKat...yours and my VX are at the same mileage and same year .... may i ask when you intend on doing the timing belt and water pump?...john

x2...I'm right there with you guys at 77K. I plan on doing mine at 100K like the maintenance schedule calls for.

[VX KAT]

FYI VXKat...yours and my VX are at the same mileage and same year .... may i ask when you intend on doing the timing belt and water pump?...john

x2...I'm right there with you guys at 77K. I plan on doing mine at 100K like the maintenance schedule calls for.

I was just looking at the book the other day, I don't consider mine extreme use, so I'd like to aim for 100k.

p.s. I fixed all the links in my post above. Earl the thread you attached is the same as my 3rd link.


p.s.s....Junky are you in LA? I lived in Long Beach for 15 yrs, but worked in Santa Monica & West LA.

Hey Junky...yours and mine are only 32 apart in manufacture!

[VXjunky]

was los angeles harbor / isuzu headquarters cerritos, the original point of entry for all the VX from Japan...if so damn, alot ended up on the east coast....im use to seeing maybe one or two a year out here in california on the LA freeways

[Anita]

I believe VX's came from the port at San Diego.

[TheGanzman]

Right about the time I'm ready to change the oil, or about 500 miles before, I need a quart; I change mine every 5K miles, running Mobil 1 10W/30. At 73K miles, my PCV valve is original to the vehicle - I never do a thing to it...