They're supposed to do a complete oil change (new filter, etc...) and add a specific 3.2L of oil. Then, score the dipstick after 10 minutes (allowing oil to get to the pan). Then add exactly 1L of oil from a bottle. Off you go.

Once the oil level is down to that score they made on the dipstick, they know you lost/burned exactly 1L of oil in that time... record mileages before/after, and voila.

Or conversely, they can fill with 4.2L (or whatever exact amount is required), and have you come back in exactly 1000km, and then drain the oil into a measured container to see how much was drained. do the subtraction (before minus after) and that's your consumption per 1000km.

Anything over 1L/1000km is considered NOT nromal by Honda/Acura standards. I have the documentation of this procedure to prove it, on Honda/Acura letterhead printed from their service computer... if you need this at a later date, PM me and I'll scan it for you.

 

Guys, check your oil more often. I check mine every 2 weeks. Once you run low, your oil consumption will always be high because of the accelerated wear.

 

Uhm, have you considered switching back to dino oil? I mean based on what you have here, you have consumption problems that showed up when you switched to synthetic...

 

I don't think this is always true. Engine damage isn't necessarily guaranteed just because the oil light comes on. Continuing to run the engine afterwards is very bad, though.

I damaged (slightly) a previous motor running it with low oil -- the pressure sensor was flaky. The damage was confined to a 20% loss of compression in just one cylinder versus spec, but the car never burned any oil after that and still reasonably well. Perhaps the compression rings are the first ones to go.

On topic -- I had some oil blow-by with Mobil 5W-30 in my Jetta (but not this bad, say a quart every 5000 miles). I switched to Valvoline Synpower and the consumption stopped.

I'd try a different oil. Honda dino oil is pretty good. I think synthetics are overrated except for long change cycles or turbo motors. In an N/A car with oil changed every 5000 miles, dino is fine.