basic question

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Hey all,

I am around 4,300 miles since my last oil change. I started with 4 quarts and the oil level has moved from near the top of the dipstick (cross hatched area), to about 1/4" above the add line. I assume I've burned and/or leaked 1/2 to 3/4 a quart of oil. I'm sure that's not uncommon for a car with 200,000 miles. I wasn't going to worry about adding oil unless it got to the add line, at which time I would likely just change it instead. The oil has darkened some, but not bad. Comments?

Chris

[kickfli12]

well i have a 93 lsi as you already know and i have 174k miles and mine doesnt burn any oil. i know that the 7th gen corolla motor is bad about that. as far as the color goes your fine. oil is going to burn and friction modifiers are going to wear out, thats normal especially at 4300 miles ( i change mine every 2800-3000 miles). as long as you dont have metal shavings or coolant in your oil when you change it you are fine. and if i recall correctly when you get to the add line youre about a quart low... personally i would look into that and thats not that normal but then again i dont know the driving conditions and if it was maintained regularly blah blah blah. use your best judgment. if my car was using a quart every oil change i would be concerned, but maybe thats just me cause my car doesnt lol

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Thanks kickfli,

I think it likely leaks more than it burns. I know I have a slight leak from the timing belt cover, but was hoping to wait until I changed the timing belt around 225,000 miles before addressing it. It doesn't smoke or smell, so I would imagine it is predominantly loss from leaking. I will monitor it to make sure I don't let it get below the add line.

Chris

[wei]

The difference between the max line and the low line indicates 1qt, IIRC. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[gomes512]

With modern day SN rated conventionals you can safely go out to 5K.

In my opinion it's always beneficial to keep the sump at the full mark. More oil = more dilution of combustion contaminants.

Vehicles with large sump capacities (look at the Benz's for example) can extend out oil change intervals to seemingly ridiculous long miles. But more oil = more time.

These motors already have a measly sump capacity, no need to exacerbate the situation.

[ganda1f]

Originally Posted by NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi

I know I have a slight leak from the timing belt cover, but was hoping to wait until I changed the timing belt around 225,000 miles before addressing it.

That leak is likely contaminating your timing belt. Timing belts do not like that, you run an increased risk of the belt snapping. Granted, this engine is non-interference, but a t-belt failure is never a good thing and it will leave you stranded.

[Kevinpiersonandson]

If you bought a decent enough filter and use oil that was manufactured in the last 10 years you can easily go 5k miles before your next change. Oil isn't what it used to be. If your oil is only slighty dark that means its working. You dont need to change it, just add.