erick3

For arguments sake, let's just say that this issue belongs to a 2008 Acura TL-S, with very few miles.

Can someone tell me how to determine if an engine is burning oil? Dipstick?
Another quickie, can someone also tell me what small bubbles on the dipstick mean? I can imagine that bubbles in the oil are a big no, but I've read around that it's supposedly normal. Could it be from not tightening the oil filter on really well? I tightened it until it started resisting turn, medium to lightly. EEK!
Oh and, can you judge the quality of oil by color of it? I'm using Redline 5W30 with a K&N filter. I've been running the car relatively hard, and it had the free dealership oil in it prior, Kendal Semi-synthetic 5W30. Could it be the mix that's causing a burn? I've been told that there's a lot of "gas" smell out of my exhaust and a bit of smoke under wot (more than normal). I'm getting concerned

Thanks EVERYONE!

Hi speed

iTrader: (3)

Bubbles could be water in the oil. Blown head gasket. Your cats should take care of any gas smell but smoke is another issue that could be normal or blown head gasket.

erick3

I really don't think it could be water...and as for a blown head gasket, I don't hear anything really abnormal? I'm assuming it'd sound distinct if that were the case, yes? Thanks Hi Speed

Tehvine

Are the bubbles yellowish or foamy?

csmeance

how much oil did you put in on your change? 5 full quarts? 4.5? 4?

erick3

I don't quite remember what the bubbles actually looked like in color; they were consistent with the color of the oil, but i guess sort of light brown? but i do remember seeing a few and saying "gosh, that looks really clear." i'll check tomorrow again in the morning.

as for the amount of oil i put in, i put in the required amount from the factory and then put some more in according to the dipstick; i remember having to put in way more to bring the line up to about half between L and H...
what're you getting at csm?

Thanks guy!

I hate cars

It sounds like a headgasket on it's way out.

Check oil level.

Check coolant level.

Check for leaks.

Pull the plugs and read them. If need be, do a compression check while they're out.

Check the backside of the filler cap for milkshake.

The first run of Redline usually gets dirty pretty quick but you say yours is very clear?

If it's burning this oil, something is very wrong.

01tl4tl

describe burning--blue exhaust smoke?
amount on dipstick goes down from full to low in a few weeks or a month?
Normal for any car to use some as part of combustion cycle pressures
about the amount from full to low in 7500 miles would be fine

When you did the oil change- what spec did you see for the capacity?

look at the filter for signs of leakage, its usually snug then x amount of turn more by hand-
amount varies by maker 1/2-2/3 a turn past snug
overtightening oil filters messes up the rubber seal ring and causes leaks!

oil takes on color as it picks up and suspends particulate matter- thats doing its job

if very concerned something major is wrong- take a 4 ounce oil sample and send to a lab for analysis- cost 20-35 usd for knowledge or peace of mind

erick3

Could it be? It's a freaking brand new car! I wonder if the dealership will throw me under the bus for using Redline as apposed to their factory recommended semi-synthetic? S*($! Clear was referring to the bubbles on the dipstick that a previous poster had asked...? First change with redline and the oil on the dipstick looks freaking DARK already. Can you tell me why it looks so dirty IHC?

Thanks! I'll check all the small things you mentioned. How the heck do I pull the plugs on a G37? er...I mean, Acura TL-S...? lol Milkshake? Remember who you're talking to Matt the retard of all car lingo.

I hate cars

That's ok, I'm the retard of car audio.

Milkshake is what the oil looks like when water starts mixing in it. It starts as a milky color.

Redline turned dark quickly in mine for the first 2 changes but the third still looks like the day I put it in after 3,000 miles. It cleans very well so the dark is just the oil doing it's job.

There should be no bubbles on the dipstick. Something isn't right.

erick3

^ omg. not even after the cars been driven???

BG74

Bubbles = bad news. My old BMW overheated once - about a week later I saw bubbles on the dipstick - followed by the milkshake on the filler cap - followed by running on 5 cylinders because one was filling with coolant.

That was a nice $3000 repair. Then to top it off, a month later the tranny went. Needless to say, no more old BMW's for this guy.