Consumption of the engine oil, or my car is using much than the regular?

HAPPY GREWAL

MEMBER
1998 SATURN L200

I got a used car a month ago. I changed the engine oil from a known mechanic. The engine oil was up to the full mark. I drove almost 550 miles, and the engine oil level was up to middle of the dip-stick (just above low and below middle point of the dip-stick). I want to know, is it the regular consumption of the engine oil, or my car is using much than the regular. I want to tell you that there is no leakage of the engine oil. No smoke from the muffler. Good pick-up, but not very good. Engine is clean, means no noise and no pollution. Smooth running. Please let me know the fault so that I can have my car last long. I shall be very thankful to you.
Warm Regards
Happy.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

This engine typically has oil consumption of 1 quart every 2,000 miles.
Anything above is considered excessive.
Most common reason for excessive oil consumption is worn valve guides or worn piston rings. You could have oil consumption without any noticeable smoke out of the tail pipe.
Here is the basic procedure of oil consumption test:

Important: During initial engine break in, it is normal for the engine to use from one to three quarts of oil during the first 3,000 to 6,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Check the engine for any external oil leak.
Change the engine oil and filter (four quarts of oil are required to properly fill the crankcase).
Warm the engine up and check the oil level after approximately 10 minutes with vehicle on a level surface. Note exactly where the dipstick reads, relative to the dipstick full mark.
Record the vehicle's mileage, date of oil change and exact location of oil level.
Check oil in 500 miles interval and note any oil loss.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-engine-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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