Oil Consumption
03-26-2012, 12:08 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Oil Consumption
Running a semi syntehic oil of late 5w20 from the dealership I'm seeing oil consumption after about half the oil life (according to the mid) has been reach.
Just the other day, checking the oil showed it had lost one quart in just 3 weeks driving (about 600 miles) since the last time I checked it.
Car runs very strong. I do enter vtec regularly and have a heavy foot.
Any issues switching to a 5w30 to attempt to reduce oil burn? I'm debating Castrol Titanium which I've had good experience with in the past on other cars.
Thoughts?
Anyone else burning a little oil? Dealership says it's well within spec.
Car Details
05 RL
103K
Second Owner - purchased at 32k on the clock
All stock
All dealership service
Looking to avoid running low on oil and chewing up a motor.
Just the other day, checking the oil showed it had lost one quart in just 3 weeks driving (about 600 miles) since the last time I checked it.
Car runs very strong. I do enter vtec regularly and have a heavy foot.
Any issues switching to a 5w30 to attempt to reduce oil burn? I'm debating Castrol Titanium which I've had good experience with in the past on other cars.
Thoughts?
Anyone else burning a little oil? Dealership says it's well within spec.
Car Details
05 RL
103K
Second Owner - purchased at 32k on the clock
All stock
All dealership service
Looking to avoid running low on oil and chewing up a motor.
03-26-2012, 08:07 AM
#3
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
First off, you are 5 years old... stop driving! LoL
Second, if you are in Vtakk regularly I'm not surprised you are losing oil and combined with the fact that synthetic oil is coating the parts and will find every possible opportunity to escape I wouldn't be to alarmed if its not on the ground.
You wont run it low on oil if you check it regularly and pull over when the idiot light comes on.
How many miles does the MID give you before an oil change?
Second, if you are in Vtakk regularly I'm not surprised you are losing oil and combined with the fact that synthetic oil is coating the parts and will find every possible opportunity to escape I wouldn't be to alarmed if its not on the ground.
You wont run it low on oil if you check it regularly and pull over when the idiot light comes on.
How many miles does the MID give you before an oil change?
03-26-2012, 10:11 AM
#6
Senior Moderator
There are no issues with running 5w-30. As long as you keep the correct winter weight for cold starts, you will be fine. Do you have any oil built up on the bottom of the engine or transmission? I'm in Carbon's boat with a valve cover gasket being your problem. What intrigues me is this: "after about half the oil life (according to the mid) has been reached." Try switching to a high mileage oil that does not come from the dealer. Car manufacturers are much more concerned about their bottom line than they are about your car getting to 200k miles. Thus, their parts are cheap, including their oil. Amsoil makes some types that are formulated to last longer, OE and XL. I am guessing the cheap dealer oil is breaking down and seeping out.
03-26-2012, 10:25 AM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
First off, you are 5 years old... stop driving! LoL
Second, if you are in Vtakk regularly I'm not surprised you are losing oil and combined with the fact that synthetic oil is coating the parts and will find every possible opportunity to escape I wouldn't be to alarmed if its not on the ground.
You wont run it low on oil if you check it regularly and pull over when the idiot light comes on.
How many miles does the MID give you before an oil change?
Second, if you are in Vtakk regularly I'm not surprised you are losing oil and combined with the fact that synthetic oil is coating the parts and will find every possible opportunity to escape I wouldn't be to alarmed if its not on the ground.
You wont run it low on oil if you check it regularly and pull over when the idiot light comes on.
How many miles does the MID give you before an oil change?
There are no issues with running 5w-30. As long as you keep the correct winter weight for cold starts, you will be fine. Do you have any oil built up on the bottom of the engine or transmission? I'm in Carbon's boat with a valve cover gasket being your problem. What intrigues me is this: "after about half the oil life (according to the mid) has been reached." Try switching to a high mileage oil that does not come from the dealer. Car manufacturers are much more concerned about their bottom line than they are about your car getting to 200k miles. Thus, their parts are cheap, including their oil. Amsoil makes some types that are formulated to last longer, OE and XL. I am guessing the cheap dealer oil is breaking down and seeping out.
That's my working theory too. I suspect they are using an ultra cheap 5w20 that is thinning out to a 5w10 and blowing by the rings.
I'll to a lead/follow test shortly and see.
Anyone running a 5w30? What are they having good success with? While I like Amsoil a Castrol or other regularly shelved product is easier for me to get.
Last edited by rob-2; 03-26-2012 at 10:33 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Philly 3gS (04-01-2012)
Trending Topics
03-26-2012, 10:39 AM
#8
It varies but typically 4-5k before the mid says 10%. When the oil 'quickly' dropped this time there was 40% left.
No visible oil leaks. It's always garage parked and there are no oil droppings below the car.
That's my working theory too. I suspect they are using an ultra cheap 5w20 that is thinning out to a 5w10 and blowing by the rings.
I'll to a lead/follow test shortly and see.
Anyone running a 5w30? What are they having good success with? While I like Amsoil a Castrol or other regularly shelved product is easier for me to get.
No visible oil leaks. It's always garage parked and there are no oil droppings below the car.
That's my working theory too. I suspect they are using an ultra cheap 5w20 that is thinning out to a 5w10 and blowing by the rings.
I'll to a lead/follow test shortly and see.
Anyone running a 5w30? What are they having good success with? While I like Amsoil a Castrol or other regularly shelved product is easier for me to get.
I'd try and use a better quality 5w20. If you still wind up eating oil, try the 5w30. But 5w30 wont hurt at all.
03-26-2012, 02:08 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
I run 5w-30 full synthetic Mobil1, but that is only because of the heat I encounter. No issues here. MPGs seem to be inline with whatever the dealer put in when I bought it and everyone else here.
03-26-2012, 03:13 PM
#11
Senior Moderator
Was 85 degrees this past weekend. 
Not even April yet...
Not even April yet...
04-27-2012, 01:41 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
exerpt from kingmotorsports us retailer for mugen about valve cover moddifications Honda and Acura engines modified for performance, whether all-motor or forced induction, often require additional venting as the factory vents simply cannot handle the crankcase pressure generated. Adequate venting is crucial to keep crankcase pressure at a minimum to avoid premature internal mechanical wear, seal failures or excessive oil consumption.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
IBankMouse
1G TSX (2004-2008)
8
06-13-2020 12:53 PM
joflewbyu2
5G TLX (2015-2020)
139
10-08-2015 11:16 AM
