8 Causes of Excessive Oil Consumption (And How to Fix the Problem)
Everyone knows that the main purpose of oil is to lubricate the engine’s components to keep them running smoothly. Engines consume a certain amount of oil under normal conditions. Most new cars use much less. That’s not a lot of oil, and most car engines can handle that amount without a problem.
The 8 Most Common Reasons Your Engine Uses Too Much Oil
The most common causes of excessive engine oil consumption are:
1) Leaking Valve Cover Gasket
The valve cover gasket performs a vital sealing function between the metal valve cover and the cylinder head. Over time, the valve cover gasket can harden and flatten. This can create a gap between the valve cover and the head through which oil can leak. An external oil leak in the valve cover area can indicate a failed seal.
How to fix the problem
Replace a damaged or deteriorated valve cover gasket to restore a proper seal. Use high-quality seals and torque specifications to prevent future leaks. Make sure the valve cover is evenly connected to the cylinder head to avoid gaps through which oil can leak.
2) Low-quality oil
If you use the wrong type of oil in your engine, or if the oil is simply old and has accumulated a lot of dirt and debris, your engine will start to burn. This causes the engine to consume more oil. This is an easy job you can do yourself. All you need is new oil, an oil filter, an oil pan, an access ramp, a wrench, and about 20 minutes of your time.
How to fix the problem
If your engine oil or filter is dirty or worn, change it sooner. Use the manufacturer’s recommended oil type and change interval to avoid oil quality issues.
3) Piston ring wear
This causes the oil to burn and carbon deposits to form on the piston rings and cylinder. In the worst case scenario, the oil level keeps dropping, requiring you to constantly add oil. Replacing the piston rings is the only good solution.
How to fix the problem
Replacing the piston rings is the only effective solution to the ring wear and oil consumption problem.
4) Valve Guide Seals
Over time and with increasing mileage, valve guide seals can wear out or harden and shrink.
The oil is burned in the combustion process, resulting in excessive oil consumption. Replacing old, brittle valve stem seals with new ones can often solve stubborn oil burning problems.
How to fix the problem
Replacing old, brittle valve stem seals with new ones can often solve stubborn oil burning problems.
5) PCV system trouble
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system is designed to extract smoke and excess pressure from inside the engine and redirect it into the cylinders for combustion. This prevents pressure buildup and allows excess oil mist and vapors to be forced back into the engine.
A problem with the PCV components can disrupt this process, leading to oil burning. A clogged PCV valve or blocked intake passages prevent steam from flowing properly, allowing pressure to leak past seals and rings into the combustion chamber.
How to fix the problem
This will restore proper flow to the system and reduce oil passing through critical engine seals and rings.
6) High Oil Pressure
High oil pressure causes excess oil to flow into the engine. This oil can fall into the cylinders and burn. High oil pressure can be caused by incorrect settings in the vehicle’s central computer.
How to solve the problem
Adjust the pressure to normal values.
7) Older Engines
The first 5 years of an engine’s lifespan are the best time. This simply means that the engine will consume oil faster.
How to solve the problem
Engines with very high mileage may require an engine overhaul or replacement of major components.
If replacing the engine or car is not in your budget, you can limit increased oil consumption by improving maintenance and using oil designed for high mileage engines.
8) Synthetic Oil
If you have an older engine or if the gaskets and sealing rings are starting to wear, synthetic oil can often cause increased oil consumption and low oil levels. Switching to conventional oil often stops minor leaks.
How to fix the problem
Switch to conventional oil, which can stop minor leaks that occur with synthetic oil.