So out of the blue, from one oil change to the next, I must have started burning oil. 3 oil changes ago, I was very displeased to discover that when I pulled the oil pan plug, only a quart or less drained out. It had never done that before. There are no leaks to be found, anywhere, at all, I've crawled all around it numerous times and peered from every angle possible underneath when changing the oil. I was amazed at the durability of this engine, three times now I've been too busy (and stupid) to keep the level up, it seems to burn about 4 quarts every 3000 miles, so when I forget to add between changes, well it has about nothing in it.
The oil has to be going somewhere, so I figure it must be burning, the exhaust is not apparent however, it is not obvious that there is oil smoke in the exhaust basically. I had a caprice that burned a ton, this car isn't like that. (Standard Protege Sedan 02' ES body style, 2.0 engine)
I've talked to a bunch of people and some have told me different things could be causing it, it never burned oil at all before it started between oil changes a few back, then all of a sudden it burned at that rate described above, about 4 quarts in 3000 miles.
This is what I've done so far (other than inspect the hell out of it visually)
1. Changed out the plugs (twice, once with NGK G-power, and now running NGK V-power) - no change, but I did have a blown G-power on cylinder, must have detonated.
2. Swapped wires and coil packs, all new.
3. Installed new PCV valve (old one was kind of loose, I JUST did this yesterday) Also changed oil from Castrol GTX high mileage synthetic to Valvoline Max Life, running 10w30 weight.
One thing remaining is my intake boot, I think it has a leak and I duct taped it up a while ago, but I don't think it's holding real well. It never burned before I even taped it though, so I don't know how that would make any sense.
If I ordered and installed a new Intake boot as well to take care of that potential air leak (or is air sealing the intake boot unimportant?). And if it is important and I did replace that too would I have eliminated all variables other than the valve seals or piston rings at that point, or might I get lucky with something I'm unaware of?
I've been trying desperately to keep my machine happy but am failing and it makes me sad. All advice, input, information and help is greatly and sincerely appreciated, thanks in advance to everyone.
The oil has to be going somewhere, so I figure it must be burning, the exhaust is not apparent however, it is not obvious that there is oil smoke in the exhaust basically. I had a caprice that burned a ton, this car isn't like that. (Standard Protege Sedan 02' ES body style, 2.0 engine)
I've talked to a bunch of people and some have told me different things could be causing it, it never burned oil at all before it started between oil changes a few back, then all of a sudden it burned at that rate described above, about 4 quarts in 3000 miles.
This is what I've done so far (other than inspect the hell out of it visually)
1. Changed out the plugs (twice, once with NGK G-power, and now running NGK V-power) - no change, but I did have a blown G-power on cylinder, must have detonated.
2. Swapped wires and coil packs, all new.
3. Installed new PCV valve (old one was kind of loose, I JUST did this yesterday) Also changed oil from Castrol GTX high mileage synthetic to Valvoline Max Life, running 10w30 weight.
One thing remaining is my intake boot, I think it has a leak and I duct taped it up a while ago, but I don't think it's holding real well. It never burned before I even taped it though, so I don't know how that would make any sense.
If I ordered and installed a new Intake boot as well to take care of that potential air leak (or is air sealing the intake boot unimportant?). And if it is important and I did replace that too would I have eliminated all variables other than the valve seals or piston rings at that point, or might I get lucky with something I'm unaware of?
I've been trying desperately to keep my machine happy but am failing and it makes me sad. All advice, input, information and help is greatly and sincerely appreciated, thanks in advance to everyone.
