I have a 2002 automatic Echo with 165k suburban miles. For 140k miles, I have used full synthetic oil. Now, I burn 1 quart of oil every 1500 miles. By every 6000 miles, I have changed all of the oil.
Would it be alright to change only the oil filter every 6000 miles without ever doing a complete change of the oil? I am going through all of it by every oil change interval when it rolls around. Seems a waste to empty it all if I will be cycling through it eventually anyway.
The problem lies in the actual need for an oil change. Yes you have gone through 5 quarts but there's still things in the oil which have to be drained.
Why not fixe the actual problem? Have you gotten it diagnosed?
__________________
**ADAM! A/C button for Gen 5.5 Camry (2005 LE) !! Por favor!
Brake lights aren't broken, I just don't brake.
--Can honestly go to a parts counter and ask for brake shoes for the front brakes.
--Likes long walks on the beach.... once it's lit by a massive bonfire.
From two auto shops, I have been told that burning a quart every 1500 miles on a car with a small engine, a 1.5 liter, and 165k miles is okay. Not a problem at this point. Also, I was advised to switch to regular oil for a cycle to see how that does, might not lose any with a different oil.
I do plan to get the oil analyzed when I get to 6k miles. I'm 1500 miles into the current oil change and have lost my usual quart. I'll know more in a few months. Right now, I'm just guessing on a cause and its indication.
But then, that's the thing... I am putting in new oil each month. Will an analysis give me credible data if the longest running oil has been diluted by the periodic top offs?
I would do as you are since you are replenishing the oil additives a bit with each added quart of oil. However I sure wouldn't be putting full synthetic oil into a leaker (or burner); are you getting any oil dripping on the ground? If not you may be looking at some major engine work in the none-too-distant future, so start saving for that by getting the cheapest oil available to use as top-up. My engine uses not a drop from one autumn to the next, and I'd go bananas getting to the answer if it began consuming oil.
__________________
2000 Echo, 200,000kms, aftermarket cruise control (AudioVox CCS-100), Intelligent Battery Guard (CTC), Sirius Satellite Radio, Scangage II, Garmin GPS, synthetic engine and gearbox lubes , Silicone Brake Fluid, Power Steering belt removed, delighted with the "tiny perfect car"
As the motor is burning so much oil its kind of a waste to continue using synthetic, throw in some regular 20w-50 for the rest of the life of this engine as its going to be replaced/repaired or scrapped anyway.the heavier weight oil will probably reduce the loss of oil.
As the motor is burning so much oil its kind of a waste to continue using synthetic, throw in some regular 20w-50 for the rest of the life of this engine as its going to be replaced/repaired or scrapped anyway.the heavier weight oil will probably reduce the loss of oil.
true, the fact therein lies the idea of 'burning' oil. this means that you have blowby, oil moving past the top ring of the piston and burning in the combuston chamber. a heavier weight just might cut the problem down alot because a heavier weight means its thicker. also a bottle of STP high milage additive couldnt hurt. that stuff is like molasses.
I remember a van back in my Youth that consumed 18qts of oil on a trip from Montreal to Tampa, i had to actually stop for oil before gas
As i was using 10w-30 my Dad said why not use straight 50w for the return trip,seems Dad was right as i only used 4qts of oil on the way back..
I thought that I would check my oil lever for sure in my 05. I changed it about a month ago and we put 110 kms on every day going to work. It has not burned a drop. I am using a 0W30 fully synthetic. So far so good.
Not to even mention that, if it is buring as opposed to leaking, it will probably trash the Catalytic Converter eventually...who knows what other sensors, etc. It needs fixing. Heavier might help temporarily, unless you have a stuck ring. How's the compression? Sometimes, in some type cars, oil can begin to leak into the cyl from the head...does the car smoke excessivly on startup?
Quote:
Originally Posted by RningOnFumes
Yes in theory.
The problem lies in the actual need for an oil change. Yes you have gone through 5 quarts but there's still things in the oil which have to be drained.
Why not fixe the actual problem? Have you gotten it diagnosed?
Since I posted the original question last May, I switched to a conventional 5w30 from a full-synthetic 5w30 and have done two oil changes at about 5k mile intervals over 6 months. The oil loss stopped after the second change. No loss over the last month.
Someone asked about excessive smoke on start up... No, there is no excessive smoke on start up. Only about what you would expect.
There is no observable issue at this point.
I'm at 178k miles now. No other significant issues to mention.
Excellent, glad to hear it!
Excellent move with tye SYN oil. You probably saved an expensive re-ring down the road...I'll bet that you had an oil ring wanting to stick a bit.
I just put Mobile5w30 in my Yaris today after several break-in oil changes just for insurance. If a ring sticks, it causes a cascade of other issues, none of which have a cheap fix.
Now that you are not using any oil, with syn you can actually go further between changes...but make sure that ring is determined not to be sluggish any more first...watch the oil closely for a while. I'd say 7 or 8K would probably be safe now, though.
Let us know how it goes.
QUOTE=EchoThat;3736484]Since I posted the original question last May, I switched to a conventional 5w30 from a full-synthetic 5w30 and have done two oil changes at about 5k mile intervals over 6 months. The oil loss stopped after the second change. No loss over the last month.
Someone asked about excessive smoke on start up... No, there is no excessive smoke on start up. Only about what you would expect.
There is no observable issue at this point.
I'm at 178k miles now. No other significant issues to mention.[/QUOTE]
ok i have just read though half this thread but that level is burning seems perfect to me
all toyotas run a little rich and i would be more concerned if it didnt burn it than if it did
hell look at every honda civic, they all have shares in shell they use that much oil
My last post was early in a second oil change following a switch from full synthetic 5w30 to conventional 5w30. On Saturday when I changed the second cycle of the conventional, I had lost only 1 quart over 5000 miles.
Back in May when I posted originally, I was down a quart of full synthetic about every 1200-1500 miles or so.
I'll take that and run. I have 181k miles now on my Echo.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Discussion area for all the Toyota Yaris and Echo owners worldwide.
2011 Toyota Corolla
Linear Mode
