1997 Ford Explorer oil burn

JUSTINF89

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
94,600 MILES

In my ford service manual, it states that it is normal for the engine to burn about a quart of oil every 900 miles. This seems a bit excessive to me but I've never owned a ford and haven't had this one long enough to see this. Is this just in the specs where thats the max it can burn before it becomes a problem or is normal for a good running engine to burn a quart so often like this? Thanks.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

That is a good question. Some cars will never use a drop of oil between oil changes and others a quart every 1K or so seems normal. If you are using that much, don't be to concerned. Presently, I use a qt every 500 miles, but on an engine with 220K, it's acceptable.

Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe

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Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 11:19 AM

JUSTINF89

MEMBER
22 POSTS

It burns about a quart every 1500 miles, but only having 94k miles, I thought it was a bit on the high side; I guess not. I heard that high mileage oil helps with this a little bit but I guess if this is normal, it may not. Thanks for the info.

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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 5:54 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

That is actually really good. I know Chrysler considers a quart every 1K as normal when the car is new.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 7:23 PM