2000 Jeep Laredo OIL LOSS

FARMINSURANCE

MEMBER
2000 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
188,000 MILES

My Jeep has 188000 miles on it with a 4.7 V8. Recently I noticed that after my oil is changed I don't lose any till about 500 miles, than I will drop a quart or more between fill ups. I have no visible signs, no leaks around valve covers nothing on the ground, so where is it going? I am not losing any antifreeze either, nor blowing any type of smoke out the exhaust. I am really at a loss as to where it is going and what to do to fix it. Any help would be appreciated.

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

If you recently switched from conventional oil to synthetic (either full- or blended), you will notice more oil consumption than normal. If you did, I suggest that you switch back. If not, disregard.

At that many miles, your piston rings may have worn out causing the oil to leak to the combustion chamber. Sometimes, as the driver, you may not see any smoke, especially with auto transmission. But someone behind you may see smoke every time the transmission shifts. Your front main seal may also leak. The seal only leaks as you drive. You will not notice this on your driveway.

The best way to check is to literally go under the vehicle and see if you have any area under the engine that is wet with oil. If you find one, you may want to clean the spill, take the vehicle for a spin, and get down under the vehicle again. You now should be looking at a fresh leak, and try to locate the source.