That's not the norm. B series VTEC engines are responsible for more oil fumes than Kuwaiti oil wells.

There are out-liers to every norm, though. I've had B series engines in some cars that burned almost nothing between 3-5k mile oil changes. I also own an AP1 that didn't burn a drop of oil between 3 track days and a trip from Chicago to CA (on the same oil change). Its had none of the issues that other S2000's have had. World's strongest AP1. Plus...I've owned it since it was almost new. So...chances are that its better off than any other car on the planet anyway. :P

But...its not normal.

My ITR burned about 1qt every 1k miles or so. Perfect compression, etc. My EM1 that had a built head ITR swap burned like 1-2qts between 5k mile changes. I've put together, driven, owned, been around, installed, etc dozens and dozens of B series swaps. I can think of maybe 1 or 2 that didn't require top off's between 3-5k mile changes.

If you're saying yours didn't need any oil between 7.5k mile changes....that's extremely abnormal and I would have probably called someone to talk to them about it by now.

Even after all that....your ITR didn't use 0W20, and it didn't have to adhere to emission standards that were current in 2009.

Modern engines pretty much all use oil.

 

I wouldn't consider it normal. I would be upset.

I check my oil weekly. I don't peel out everywhere or drive at 6k rpm in parking lots, but I live in a hilly area and hit 5-6k rpm 2-3x per day on freeway on ramps. I have 8-9000 OCI and I have added 0qts of oil in 48k miles.

 

And...you'd take time out of your day/life to complain to someone about 2 quarts over 9k miles?

You check your oil weekly anyway. It takes 20 seconds every 4 months or so (4.5k miles) to add a quart of oil.

Why do you believe it is abnormal for an engine to burn a quart of 0W or 5W20 every 4.5k miles?

What type of oil do you use?

 

20w50 (like I used in my V12 Jag) will keep oil loss to a minimum and - if you are dyslexic - is 05w20

 

I would complain. While I understand why a little oil consumption is considered normal, I wouldn't like it.

I use mobile 1 0-20.

 

So you'd call and tell someone "I know that this is a reasonable circumstance....but I'm mad about it anyway. I want you to make things more reasonable than they already are."

I'd tell you to get a job. :P

 

Lol.

 

Over the course of 4 months...lets say you drive 1hr a day (that's a 35mph average speed, if we figure 4.5k miles). Figuring average engine RPM is 2500.

That's approx 19,200,000 revolutions.

Yall worried about 1 quart of water-thin oil?

If a quart of oil weighs 2lbs, that's 0.00000473 grams per revolution. Or .006 grams a day.

^Is how I'd answer your phone calls/complaints.

 

And herein lies the problem. While we all "know" that the use of oil is inevitable - especially with very thin oil - we only really want it to happen to the other guy.

If we were working under the same rules of 20 years ago then the OP wouldn't even think that he had a problem. Oil was thicker (10w40 was the norm, not sure why Jag used 20w50 - but Jag has to be different) and oil change intervals were much shorter. Even if the same amount of oil was used, he'd be down well under a quart in the time his 3000 mile oil change came about so he'd say to himself "it's only a little full mark".

We only worry about oil consumption when we have to go to the store, buy something, pop the hood and pour it in.

 

I just had to quote this for posterity!

In fact, I think I'll add it to my sig.

 

2010 TSX, ~59,000 miles

I've been monitoring oil consumption on my car for the past 25,000 miles. On average, it's burning 1 quart every 1,500 miles; since the threshold is 1qt/1k miles and I'm closer to it than others, I keep an eye on it.

Of course, dealer says everything is great! #annoying

What I do find is after an oil change, it seems to be happy for about 2,500 miles, then gets progressively more noticeable, with it getting close to the 1qt/1k mi threshold by the time it's due.

Using an Automatic Bluetooth device for my phone, I've been tracking trips - distance, location, time, etc. - and have a hunch that the frequent short trips I take are probably more of the culprit than anything. After taking longer, highway trips over a few days the oil level seems to be solid.

 

My 1G (6MT) tends to burn 1qt/ 1.5 - 3k miles. The more highway miles I do, the quicker it burns. If I just drive around town, 1qt can last 3k or more miles. The type and weight of oil I use makes a difference as well.

Perfect compression though lol. Stupid oil control rings. Its a little inconvenient...but I wouldn't say its a problem. Nor would I hesitate to drive the car across the country. I would just take a little oil with me haha.

 

I presume others have seen the new Consumer Reports, um, report, on oil consumption:

Excessive Oil Consumption Isn't Normal - Consumer Reports

My '12 6MT with 31K miles, by the end of its 9.5K~ish mile oil change interval, probably burns a quart or so every 1K miles, and has done so since new. I'm in the midst of an oil consumption test with the dealer. I think it burns excessively; the dealer claims it does not. I suspect I will not win this battle. Burning a quart of oil in 1K miles seems crazy to me, but, on the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, if this is happening, I can just add a $7 quart of oil every 1K miles.

At the point that you're doing this, however, I have to question whether it is even necessary to ever "change the oil". It's kind of like you've got a continuous oil change going, 1 quart at a time. Just change the filter periodically. I'm p!$$ed in principle about this, but probably won't win. So I periodically add a quart of oil. Given that Acura is now out of the 6MT business, I don't see another in my future anyway. I lust over a new GTI. That should have fewer issues, right?

 

Lol yes. By the GTi's first oil change, the whole car will have burned to a crisp. Making it totally "maintenance free".

1qt/1k miles would be unacceptable for me if I had a 2012 with 31k miles. That IS excessive oil consumption. Hopefully they take care of you.

 

$7 quart of oil? Are you using synthetic and buying from an auto parts store? The 5 quart jug of full synthetic Mobil 1 is $23 at my local Wal-Mart.

 

Even at 23.00 for 5 quarts, that's $4.60 per quart, after 100,000 miles you've spent an extra $460.00 IN ADDITION to the regular oil changes. That's not acceptable. Also I'm at the 15% oil life mark, have had to add 3 quarts, and I'm at 6,700 miles. It gets noticeably faster towards the end of the oil's useful life. (per the maintenance minder)

 

OK guys, let's all take a deep breath here and look at this objectively.

The Consumer Reports article makes little sense (like most things automotive they try to do) as they start with "it shouldn't burn oil with 3000 mile OCI" to "it shouldn't burn oil with 15,000 mile OCI".

Regardless of what some staffer at CR thinks, all cars lose oil. The only question is how much is acceptable.

Most manufacturers say that less than 1qt every 1000 miles is OK. I'm not sure I buy into that - but - a quart or so between extended oil changes seems reasonable to most people.

If my car burned 1qt ever 1000 miles I'd be hopping up and down on the GM's desk. I'd be writing Acura and I'd be talking to lemon lawyers. Luckily my Acura doesn't burn a significant amount of oil but it IS down a hair when it is time for my oil change - but never enough to warrant pouring in any oil.

So, what to if the car is burning oil near the rate of 1qt for every 1000 miles? Remember that the powertrain warranty is longer than your regular warranty and the engine is "powertrain."

If you are under some sort of warranty, go to the dealer. If they won't listen, then ask to speak with the regional rep. At that point they should set you up for a oil leak test. If not, write a registered letter to Acura (the address is in the back of your owner's manual) and complain. You need to sound rational and clearly say that you understand that engines burn oil but that 1qt every 1000 miles is just too much. Ask them to do a test and a repair.

Some of you will glom onto my comment about lemon lawyers (I can hear it already "I'm outside of the lemon laws", "it isn't a safety issue")but remember that they are in it to make money. They will look at any valid complaint and determine if, by writing a letter, they can make some money off the company. If, by some coincidence, they help you then so much the better.

When we think lemon we think of buyback, but that isn't close to being true. The lawyers and you can come to all sorts of agreements from buying the car back because it is a deathtrap to getting you two Burger King coupons because the placement of the cupholder made you spill your soda.

In general, if you have a valid complaint that the manufacturer won't address, then a lawyer will get you more than you would have gotten yourself.

"My car burns a quart of oil every 1000 miles when the norm for this model is a quart every 7500 miles" might get the attention of a lawyer, but "my car burns a quart of oil every 4500 miles" will just get a laugh.

The Consumer Reports article should help those with excessive oil loss.

 

you are correct... my GSR powered crx is a little oil hungry....but the most oil hungry honda motor i have ever seen is the damn H22A lol...my friend has a 94' lude and my bro has a 94' civic with the H22A swapped in it and those are some oil thirsty engine's....

 

Most recent check with my dealer has shown even they are concerned about the increasing number of customers coming in with oil consumption issues as the miles rack up on the 2nd gen TSX. Many of these customers are in the same situation - consumption approaching the threshold for a repair but not quite there yet. They are pursuing the issue on my behalf with Acura, should hear back later this week.

 

Acura approved the repair of my TSX which was borderline according to their threshold of one quart per 1,000 miles. I'm taking it in on Monday and the dealer expects to have it for 2-3 days.

 

what is the "repair" they are going to perform? new rings? replace the whole engine? lol

 

Just overfilling a bit more to make it between changes?

 

Well, I got my warranty extension notice today from Acura:

Sticking Piston Rings Resulting in High Engine Oil Consumption for 2009-2011 TSX.
Reference Service Bulletin #13-006

The transferable warranty for engine pistons and piston rings is extended to 8 years/125k miles, whichever comes first.

It also says if you are "experiencing high oil consumption" to leave your vehicle at an Acura dealer for two days for an inspection.

I have a couple of questions:

- Did Acura change the design of these parts for the 2012-2014 model years?

- Does this apply for both AT and MT (I have an MT)?

- Is this "warranty extension" a strategy by Acura to preempt a federal recall? Since it's not a safety issue, I think a full blown recall is unlikely.

I am a little bummed as I made the decision last week to buy out my TSX from lease instead of jumping into a TLX....

I have not experienced any oil consumption issues in 42k.

 

<p></p><p>Lucky! I'm jealous.</p>

 

well since we know the service bulliten number it would probably apply to all cars in that year range? if we have a problem should we just go to the dealer and reference that number? tell them to check it out? im down to 30% oil life now and if i get on it shortly after starting the car it will pop up and say check oil level, then go away.... lol..

And im at 53k miles/Automatic

 

I got the warranty extension notice yesterday, which was a surprise. My TSX seemed to be burning excess oil for awhile, but I doubt it would fall outside their definition of "normal." If it happens again, I'll do the formal consumption test and hopefully take advantage of the warranty.

 

The dealer completed the repair on my car today, will be picking it up tomorrow. They replaced the pistons and piston rings per the TSB. Also received the warranty extension notice today as well. Glad to hear they're finally getting the word out since the TSB has been out for a little while.

 

I purchased my 09 tsx M/T at 77k mi just after having the oil burning issue fixed under warantee. Before purchasing I asked to make sure that there was a warrantee for the fix and if it would transfer with the title. The waranree was 12k mi and it did transfer! I've put about 5k on it and no change in oil level. Hope it stays that way.

 

So if I didn't get this waranty extension notice........Im screwed??
My car burns oil noticeably. At what rate? I am going to do a measure through this next oil cycle.

 

<p></p><p>Give it a couple days, there are quite a few 09-11 TSX's out there. Factor in the Postal Office too.</p><p>If not, the TSB# is posted up above. Have the dealer look it up if/when you go in.</p>

 

Acura says the warranty extension is VIN specific, not model year specific. To me, that's a difference without distinction as VINs change with the model year.

I pushed Acura to tell me what it defines as "high engine oil consumption." The customer service rep hedged and said Acura will rely on the dealer's findings and recommendations. I challenged that assertion. What if one dealer says 1 quart every 1,000 miles is just fine, and another dealer says that is excessive?

It leads me to believe that Acura has some guidelines for the dealers that they are reluctant to disclose to customers.

He did remind me I had a recall done in 2011 (#11-021) at 3,500 miles that adjusted the fuel injection software and firmware to reduce the possibility of engine oil consumption. He also said that driving hard after cold starts and high-rev shifting can exacerbate oil consumption.

Since I am middle-aged and drive my car like a baby stroller, I am confident I will not have a problem with this. And if I did, I am glad to see Acura standing behind its product by offering this warranty extension.

 

Got the notice the other day...how are you guys coming to the conclusion of high oil consumption. Based off of the MID? Or are you constantly looking at the dipstick?

 

The Feds coordinate recalls on safety related matters but any manufacturer can conduct their own "recall" on any issue.

This issue wouldn't warrant any sort of recall as it doesn't affect all (or even most) cars in the VIN range and a fix would be prohibitively expensive when it may not be necessary. Extending the warranty is probably a good measure to protect the interests of the customers and to save money on unneeded repairs.

I wouldn't worry too much about having bought your car. Get a copy of the warranty extension and pull that out (even if your car is outside the VIN range) when you file a claim with Acura should your car ever develop that issue. It won't. The major culprit is high revs on a cold engine.

 

You should be checking your dipstick regularly.

 

just got my letter in the mail yesterday... looks like the one that was posted up above... should i go ahead and take it in? my "check engine oil" pops up when under acceraltion sometimes then goes away... maybe i have burned some and it's tripping whatever reads the oil level?

 

Well....you should check your oil....

 

It seems like everyone's car varies, but the theme is that most of yall have cars that burn some oil. I will add my own observations on my (girlfriend's) 2G wagon:

-2011 Tech Wagon
-Bought with 48k miles.
-Did an oil change at ~49k miles because I wanted to start fresh to gather data about how much oil I can expect to burn.
-I check the oil every couple weeks.

The car now has 57,9xx miles. So lets say about 8.5-9k miles since the last oil change. MID says 20% life.

Yesterday, I had to add the first amount of oil to the engine since the change at 49k miles. It needed 0.5 quarts.

Car sees mixed highway and town use. She's always flooring it to get around the notriously slow Chicago west burbs drivers. I am also doing mostly the same whenever I drive it. The car is not driven *especially* hard or especially soft.

I used Pennzoil 0W20 and a K&N filter (or maybe it was purolator...who remembers this shit?) This was the Advance Auto special at the time.

FWIW, every used oil analysis I've ever seen that compares Mobil1 to Pennzoil Platinum shows advantage Pennzoil. I don't believe either one is considered a synthetic oil except in North America.

I'll probably do an oil change soon. I'll try out Castrol's 0W20 to see what happens.

I'm not sure if Castrol 0W20 is manufactured in Germany as an actual synthetic like the 0W30 is. Or if Castrol's 0W20 is extremely thick for its weight (at operating temp) like their 0W30 is. Maybe all of Castrol's 0W Edge (black bottle) oils are made to euro synthetic specs...but I'm not sure. Nor do I particularly care.

If it burns Castrol, I'll switch back to Pennzoil.

Also may be worth mentioning: I use random oil as top off oil in all the cars at the house as needed (within some sort of weight range thats applicable for each car). I had some Havoline 5W20 laying around...so that's what I topped the wagon off with.

 

** also worth noting that the 1/2 quart disappeared abruptly. Like...within the last 500-1k miles. What this tells me is that the oil has likely sheared its way down towards a straight 0W. The word "towards" is important to note. All non-synthetic oil shears as you use it...and I'm not sure how far it has to shear until it starts burning quickly in this engine.

Thats why I'm doing the oil change before the MID turns on the service lamp. After 9k miles of use...if an engine that's known to shear oil down abruptly starts to consume oil, then....change the oil.

If I didn't check the oil frequently, and I just waited til the MID read 0%, I would have ran the engine very low on oil.

Seems like Honda K series engines will shear down oil faster in comparison to older Honda engines. Possibly due to the additional lubrication needed for the timing chain?

I'm not an oil expert, BTW. But I've done enough reading and research to know or deduce a few things. My simple philosophy and preference is:

-I don't use Mobil1.
-I check my oil frequently.
-I don't rely on the MID.

 

<p></p><p>yep, yep, and yep.</p>

 

I should say that I don't rely SOLELY on the MID. I use it as a semi-loose reference for oil life...but I would never use it as a "my oil level and condition is totally fine because the MID still says I'm good".

I guess I can determine that with confidence because I know what I'm doing. And I'm well aware that most owners of cars (especially Acuras) do not have any expertise in that department. I'm not saying that as an insult. It is akin to how I don't know shit about washing machines, for example, even though I used to own one.

But...as a car owner, your options with ANY car are:

-Have a technician check the oil every so often, in between service intervals. If you live in NJ, you can have a gas attendant do it, I'm sure. Or maybe not. I don't live in NJ. Your gas attendant system freaks me out, you weirdos.

-Learn to at least check your own oil for level, if not for condition.

Don't rely on the MID, as mentioned above. All cars burn some amount of oil.

Try to find a shear stable oil. They are likely using synthetic blend at Acura dealerships. So...that's going to shear faster than, say, Pennzoil Platinum or something.