SPONSORED LINKS

MY Saturn

Tiny
KENNETHPICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
My 2002 Saturn SL seems to need oil about every 1,400 miles! I get an oil change, and about a month later, the red oil light comes on and does not stop until I bring it to an oil place. They check it, and tell me it's dry! There are NEVER any leaks, or dark smoke, and it runs fine. What could be wrong with the engine?
SPONSORED LINKS
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 4:32 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
If there are no external leaks, I must be burning oil, it can't go anywhere else, what weight of oil do you use and is it mineral or synthetic?

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 5:31 AM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I figured it must be burning oil. I think it has 10W 30 in it right now, but I am not certain. It is Penzoil, as far as I know. If it's burning oil, regardless of the weight or what not, how can that be prevented? Does it require a complete engine overhaul? I am not so sure the car is worth that.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Try 20-W50 mineral, this will slow the loss done a fair bit, give this a try first.

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 8:31 AM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
O.K, I checked the paperwork from the oil place and they put in Chevron 20W-50, as you suggested. However, what if that fails? This problem has been going on for some time. What can be replaced in a car that burns oil to prevent it from happening?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Oil burning will require replacement of valve seals and possibly guides, and piston rings, a leak down test will show the extent of the problem, if the engine is bad, a full over haul will be required.

Mark (mhpautos)
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well, hopefully, it won't come to THAT! I have been reading about some stuff called "Alemite CD 2 for Oil Burning". I think if this current batch of oil only lasts a month (about 1,400 miles), I will find some and put it in! It seems to create seals, and prevent oil burning! I'll see what happens. Thanks for the information you provided.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Just be aware that any additives are just a very temporary fix if they work at all, just use these with caution.

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 1:42 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Oil Change Content

Engine Oil Change and Filter Saturn Vue
VIDEO
Engine Oil Change and Filter Saturn Vue
Instructional repair video
New Car Service
GUIDE
New Car Service
When you buy a new car the most important thing you can do is keep the services up and give your car a visual inspection both under the hood and under the car. Although the...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links