Ive got a 98 2.3 5spd, with 74000 miles, and ever since ive bought the car with about 54000 miles on it, ive noticed that it burns about a quart of oil every 3000 miles. The car doesnt smoke at all, but there is some black carbon on the rear bumper every time i wash it, i was just wondering if anyone else out there has experienced this?

 

I wish i can answer ur question but; I have to change my oil every 1500 miles, every 2 months becuase it gets chunky. I city drive 99% of my time. And i drive like a crazy arab taxi driver. Thats my probelem as for u.. check for leaks where u park ur car?

 

how often do you change oil? 3000? 3500? more?

what kind ya use?

check engine...any leaks? also check oil pan.

 

try changin the drain plug metal gasket. alot of the time there will be a small leak out of there.

 

It may be that you are pushing oil back through the exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR). If oil is building up on top of the head under the valve covers and not flowing out properly it could be running out under preasure into the exhaust system. This could also cause you to have cat issues because of the carbon soot you are describing at the tailpipe end. You should have your emmissions checked to be sure you are venting exhaust gasses properly. Check for excess water vaper and/or sulfur smell in the exhaust. Also, do you have a turbo or supercharger. you may have a damaged intercooler, but this is probably not the case. Good luck. I didn't mention the rings because you said the engine does not smoke, but you may not actually be able to see it smoking because of any number of conditions. It may be seeping from the rings or head under acceleration or when the car is cold, but it seems as though you would see at least a puff of smoke if not a constant stream. Best of luck. And check very closely for leaks. As for the crush washer, it would only leak if your oil change tech is an ass and under or over-tightens the plug. But you would notice that... oil is messy and when it drips you will see it.

 

Thanks for helpin me out guys. appreciate it.

 

Exactly what I was thinking as I read down the thread, acura or honda will chare you like $6 for a new drain plug with gasket. Make sure they give you the gasket (metal ring) to go with the plug. Try that first