99 LE 2.2 Using Oil

[93viking]

My 99 has 85K on it and I change the oil every 3K since owning it. I fill the oil to the top of the fill mark on the dip stick, but after 3K miles it is half way between the low and full mark. I have no oil leaks and no smoke a startup. Is this something to worry about?

Also I use PureOne oil filters and when I change the oil sometimes the filter will leak on the motor and other times the filter will not leak at all. Could a bad filter cause the leaks?

[jermag24]

Sounds like you're doing everything right. My '98 Camry (115k miles) uses 3/4 to one full quart between oil changes, and Toyota says it's typical for that many miles. (Funny, my Dodge Avenger with 114k miles didn't use a drop). I wouldn't worry about it using some (mine slowed down when I switched to Valvoline MaxLife). Using the Pure One filters puts you above most as far as maintenance is concerned. They're great quality filters, I hate seeing people spend money on Synthetic oil then they won't spend an extra $3 on a good filter.

As far as the filter leaking on the engine, that's they anti drain-back valve in the oil filter. It keeps some oil in the filter for the next start-up. I usually punch a hole in the end of the filter with a long screwdriver as my oil is draining from the drain plug. This will break the vacuum in the filter and let it drain too. Hope this helps!