Burning oil

[Coolfactor]

It's a good thing I didn't wait for my next oil change since I noticed there was about a quart of oil missing in only 3000 Kms (~1800 miles). Actually, the oil gauge wasn't showing any oil.. yikes! My speed only have 7000 clicks. Is this normal on a turbo car? There are no apparent leaks on my driveway.. so I'm wondering if the majority here are having this "issue"..?

 

[subparpunk03]

I've not noticed much oil burning, no more than a normal car with low miles should (very little)

However, I have noticed that the readings on the dipstick are pretty crazy sometimes. If I check it right after I drive it vs. check it first thing in the morning after the car has been sitting for 12 hours, its a BIG difference. It seems to take a lot of time for the oil to really settle and get a good reading.

If your car is actually burning that much oil, you should be able to see or smell it in the exhaust I think, maybe not. Regardless I'd take it to mazda and ask wtf is up with it.

 

[BlackCherry06]

Additionally, if you're checking your oil after it sits overnight, pay no attention to the reading on the first pull. Pull, wipe and stick again for a true reading. All Mazda 3 & 6 2.0 & 2.3 engines show erroneous readings on the first pull, but nobody can explain why. My MS6 always shows to be nearly empty on the first pull...pretty unnerving until you figure out it's not right.

 

[fourthmeal]

We have a HUGE oil capacity, compared with most cars of this caliber. 6 quarts + I think.

def. check oil on the second pull.

 

[Rotus8]

Who did your last change? It is possible it was underfilled at the change. There have been cases where the dealer puts in the amount for the NA engine; the speed uses more than a quart more.

 

[dkswim]

it takes a long time for the oil to drain back to the bottom of the enginr from the heads and from the turbo. let car sit for an hour or two before you check

 

[Rotus8]

From the owner's manual:
Inspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
5. Pull it out again and examine the level. It's OK between Low or MIN and Full or MAX. But if it's near or below Low or MIN, add enough oil to bring the level to Full or MAX.
CAUTION Don't add engine oil over Full or MAX. This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is positioned properly before reinserting the dipstick.

 

[Coolfactor]

Thanks everyone for your input. I've always done my reading on the second pull, even a third one to make sure. I did my reading after I let the car sit about an hour. My first oil change was done at 4,000Kms and I have checked the dipstick myself to see if it was at the MAX level and it was. I'll raise that up for my next oil change for sure..

Thinking of it, would a 5w-20 grade oil burn more quickly than the recommended 5w-30? I have a feeling that the dealer put the oil in for regular 3's and not the one for the Speed..

 

[BlackCherry06]

This occurrance is getting very common at dealerships if member accounts are any indication. 5W-20 has the potential for making it past the turbo seals in this engine and it's been noted on BITOG that it may be too thin when heated to turbocharger temperatures.

Do you have the tools / facility to do your own oil changes? Speaking for myself, I've lost so much faith in dealerships and have NO faith in the Jiffy Lubes of the world that I sleep better when I do my own maintenance.

Take it to the dealer, let them check the oil level and ask them if they even know what viscosity they put in. If they're keeping bulk 5W-20 on hand for their LOFs, they probably filled your car with the same hose they fill all the others with. In any case, they need to look into why your level is low. Consumption or underfilling, the burden is on them at the moment.

Ask them politely to install the correct oil...or better yet, show up with a case of Penzoil Platinum 5W-30 and ask them to install that.

 

[fourthmeal]

You guys know just how much cheaper it is to hand them Mobil1 instead of having them do it their way? Plus you know they are using it, because the parts guys aren't getting any love whatsoever when you bring your own oil. For some reason, my service guy totally understands why I bring my own oil. When I was a service guy (and thus paid on parts and labor I wrote up), I would be pissed when people did that. But now I'm on the other side of the fence!

 

[BlackCherry06]

The downside to handing them your $25 case of oil: Techs have been caught absconding with it and filling the car with bulk dino.

The Ford dealership I take my Sport Trac to has alleviated this problem. The wall behind the service counter is all glass and it overlooks the entire service garage. I stood there and watched them do all the warranty work to my truck. Unfortunately, this is rare. I really like it...but I still do my own oil changes.

 

[dkswim]

its only 30 min out of my day to do it right or its half the day to go up there and for them to try and sell me services i dont need. hmmmmm that what makes my decision.

 

[BOOSTR]

It's a good thing I didn't wait for my next oil change since I noticed there was about a quart of oil missing in only 3000 Kms (~1800 miles). Actually, the oil gauge wasn't showing any oil.. yikes! My speed only have 7000 clicks. Is this normal on a turbo car? There are no apparent leaks on my driveway.. so I'm wondering if the majority here are having this "issue"..?

I'd be willing to bet as others have suggested that your car was not filled to the proper level when serviced. A new car no matter what the aspiration should not burn 1 quart of oil that soon unless its leaking or going out the exhaust.

 

[ZoomRedZoomGT]

Question

Anyone know if it does any long term damage to the turbo seal in the event you did end up with 10w20? In other words, once the oil is switched out for the correct 10w30 will it stop getting by the seal. I noticed after a recent oil change that I'm burning oil (blue cloud out the tail pipe).

 

[Powerslave]

It's a good thing I didn't wait for my next oil change since I noticed there was about a quart of oil missing in only 3000 Kms (~1800 miles). Actually, the oil gauge wasn't showing any oil.. yikes! My speed only have 7000 clicks. Is this normal on a turbo car? There are no apparent leaks on my driveway.. so I'm wondering if the majority here are having this "issue"..?

you have to double dip the stick, when i check my oil in the morinig or when ever it shows a quart low wipe it clean stick it in and check again its full. seems weird but that the way it is do a doulbe dip its probably full

 

[nig3]

just dont ever use mobil 1 synthetic in your motor and you should be fine.

 

[ATK]

What do you have against Mobil 1 synthetic?

 

[fourthmeal]

LMAO...not taking that advice, nig3.

I've run some form of Mobil1 in every car I've ever had (except the RX-7's rotary!) with zero problems caused by oil. Other problems, hell yes...but never due to the oil. I'm just not buying it..

 

[Jays07MS3]

LMAO...not taking that advice, nig3.

I've run some form of Mobil1 in every car I've ever had (except the RX-7's rotary!) with zero problems caused by oil. Other problems, hell yes...but never due to the oil. I'm just not buying it..

Same here. I've used Mobil 1 for about 10-11 years and have never a problem.

 

[Speedy3]

Amsoil #1