Having the oil and oil filter changed when it should be is a necessary step in keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. As your vehicle begins to age, this becomes more vital to its continued longevity and engine performance. With an older vehicle, you will find you may have to add engine oil in between oil changes. Even in newer engines and with the use of synthetic oils, there is a normal amount of oil consumption that occurs. Normal oil consumption is not what will be discussed in this blog post. Instead, we will discuss excessive burning of oil and an oil leak in older vehicles.
Before we talk about why your older vehicle could be burning a lot of oil, it’s important to discuss oil changes. Are you having the oil and filter changed when it should be changed? Neglecting oil changes or extending the amount of time between oil changes will cause problems with the engine over time. Sludge builds up in the engine and the oil filter may become clogged. The engine may begin to experience symptoms caused by corrosion. In addition to regular oil changes, you should also be checking the level of oil in your engine at least once a month (more often if you have to replace oil).
A word of caution – Never operate your car, truck or van if the Low Oil Pressure Warning light is lit up on your dashboard. This light is coming on because there is not enough oil circulating throughout the engine. If you continue to drive, the engine will seize.
One way you can tell that your vehicle is burning oil is by looking at the color of the exhaust. If the exhaust is “blue” in color, this is a good indication oil is leaking into the combustion chamber. This will happen in older vehicles when the valve seals wear out and allow oil to enter the combustion chamber.
Things that can cause internal burning of oil
- The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System has failed. This valve regulates the flow of air and fuel from the crankcase back through the intake manifold to the cylinders rather than allowing them to escape into the atmosphere. If the valve gets stuck in a closed position or gets clogged, there will be an increase in internal engine pressure. This can lead to blown seals and gaskets and engine oil leaks.
- Valve guides and seals are worn and have failed. Valve guides conduct heat from combustion process so the heat can be circulated away from the engine through the cooling system. Worn valve guides and seals will allow oil to enter into the combustion chamber.
- The piston rings are worn and no longer provide a seal between the pistons and cylinder bores. If this happens, too much oil can enter the cylinders from the crankcase. This is identified by blue smoke coming out of the exhaust when accelerating.
What about external oil leaks?
There are a number of areas in an engine from which oil can leak. As your vehicle ages, seals and gaskets become dried out and brittle. You’ll begin to notice engine oil on your garage floor or driveway. Commonly, these leaks will occur from the oil filter, oil drain plug, oil pan and gasket, oil filler cap, oil cooler lines and the valve cover gaskets and other gaskets and seals. If you are noticing any oil underneath your vehicle, you should have it checked and repaired as soon as possible to avoid engine damage.
When you have your vehicle maintained at Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey, we will keep detailed records of your service history so you know when the oil needs to be changed. If your vehicle is burning a lot of oil, we can identify and correct the problem so you can avoid major engine damage. Click here to make an appointment with us today.
