Losing Oil

[MSHardeman]

I know that this thread has been on here before, but what gives with the 3.5 liter losing oil? I just checked my dipstick and it was bone dry. I took it to a local shop, and they had to put two quarts back into her. I just had the oil changed a month to a month and a half ago, and it was already down two quarts!? WOW!
I'm using synthetic oil, so if I have to go through a quart a month, this isn't going to be cheap.
I don't see any puddles under it when I park, so is the engine burning oil? How else would I lose it? Can this be fixed?

[transio]

Do what I do. Keep a quart in the back, and every time you fill up pop the hood and check your dipstick, adding a sip or two if necessary. I'm not as bad as yours, but I'll lose a quart or so between oil changes. Even so, it's good to be prepared!

My "road hazard" pack includes a quart of oil, a toolkit, a self-contained jumpstarter battery / air pump / hazard light, a can of fix-a-flat, and a bungee cord. (I used to keep a gallon of gas, too, but now I just fill up when I get to half a tank)

[Joe_Black]

Be sure to change your PCV valve at every-other oil change if on the 3500 mile cycle. Also check your coolant to see if perhaps you've got a head gasket problem. Look under the VX after parking for while to check for leaks, especially around the rear of the engine and beneath the drain plug. The drain plug uses a copper washer as a seal which can be re-used for some time if cared for, but more often than not it gets damaged or over-torqued and can be a source of leakage. If leaking it can be replaced with an inexpensive poly washer from AutoZone or the like, or you could go with the excellent Fumoto valve which eliminates the whole drain plug issue altogether.

Share and post your findings!

[Anita]

I know there has been a ton of discussion of the subject but I would also make sure the EGR is clean and working properly. My Isuzu mechanic has said time and again that the EGR if not working right contributes to a hotter running engine ergo an engine burning up more oil. Green Dragon had posted an article with specifics on the subject.

[Offroad vx]

My VX was losing at the same rate. I was at 1 qt. every 500 miles. Check your tailpipe and see how black it is since chances are it's just burning the oil. I was lucky enough to still be under warranty and after going through an oil consumption test I recieved a new motor just last week! So if you're under warranty get it to a dealer ASAP!

[Anita]

This thread had an interesting conclusion and something to look for.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...7007#post67007

Check MBeach's post on sept. 29