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Engine what are all the ways that a car can lose oil

Discussion in 'Powertrain' started by 03silverrolla, Oct 16, 2004.

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    03silverrolla Guest

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    what are all the ways that a car can lose oil

    What are all the ways that a car can lose oil. I know about past the rings, valve seals, and if there is a leak. It seems like I am loosing about 1/2 quart in 1000 miles the thing is I dont see any blue smoke coming out the tail pipe even on startup and I dont see any leaks. Even my moms 91 camry she was loosing oil and they said she needed new valve seals but she wasnt having blue smoke either. I dont know how it could be coming out.
    03silverrolla, Oct 16, 2004
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    vortex Well-Known Member

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    1/2 qt every 1000 miles isn't *THAT* bad. Try a 2 qts every 1000 miles... >:)

    it's possible something is beginning to go. In my case my valve seals have had it. (which is why im rebuilding the other head I have to swap it out in a few weeks) typically if your usage remains stable, you probably have some normal usage plus something a little worn. If it ramps up - something is definitely wrong. Typically leaks are most common, followed by valve seals or ring (depending on how the motor was treated) - then there are all kinda other odd things but usually when those happen, you lose a ton of oil quick... :)

    in my case with using a shit load of oil - there is no visual smoke unless i let my car idle's too long or something and I'm using a TON of oil.
    vortex, Oct 16, 2004
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    killer2239 Lift at 5700rpm

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    yeah, i was told by toyota specialist that its most times valve seals. So im having mine replaced in a week or 2. I burn approx a quart every 1000 or less.
    killer2239, Oct 16, 2004
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    CraigW New Member

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    At that rate you may not see anything, Just keep a close eye on it and top off. May run forever. I think most Toyotas burn some oil. CW
    CraigW, Oct 16, 2004
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    vortex Well-Known Member

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    yes actually i think there is some sort of ' acceptable rate ' or something to that effect... *raises eyebrow* hehe hell as long as it doesnt smoke or burn up 2qts per 1000 miles im fuckin excited... ROFL
    vortex, Oct 16, 2004
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    vortex Well-Known Member

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    oil light only comes on when there isn't enough pressure on the system. It's possible to be quite low and not have the light come on - as long as the system maintains pressure.
    vortex, Oct 17, 2004
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    killer2239 Lift at 5700rpm

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    it sucks having to worry about it, expecially when your oil light doesnt come on. When i had alternator changed, iv never see the oil light come on since, LoL.
    killer2239, Oct 17, 2004
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    Monster1ZZFE Guest

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    oil can also come out of the cam seals, and old and worn out crank main seal, and ofcourse the oil pan seal. Additional items such as an oil cooler can also cause leaks.

    Oil lights usually dont go on until its almost too late. Normally like Votex said its when looses pressure, somewhere below 600 psi, that normall means you have maybe 1 qt to 1 1/2 qts still in the pan.
    Monster1ZZFE, Oct 17, 2004
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    killer2239 Lift at 5700rpm

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    Nah, i had my alternator changed, and when i did, my oil light would come on and off. Oil was full though. Now the light doesnt come on at all, even when you put car in on and all lights on dash go on. The light is completely gone.
    killer2239, Oct 17, 2004
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    vortex Well-Known Member

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    might wanna get that fixed.
    vortex, Oct 17, 2004
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    Def98rolla Guest

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    most likely its the valve seals..tell me about it I gotta get my redone and possibly piston rings..dont go with the dealer cause theyll charge u an arm and a nut. Vortex send me that head my way..shit!
    Def98rolla, Oct 17, 2004
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    CorollaULEV Guest

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    yeah...if you're ever driving and the oil light comes on, you'll be throwing a rod REAL soon thereafter unless you stop immediately. Even if it just flashes on and goes back off. If the oil is low enough to cause the oil light to come on, then you're probably running about 1 qt of oil in the crankcase. I've saw plenty of engines running around with 2qt of oil (whereas they require 4 qt) and never saw an oil light once. Are they still doing damage?? OH YEAH!

    It's definitely possible to burn oil without having smoke.

    Late,
    Trav
    CorollaULEV, Oct 17, 2004
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    LoSx New Member

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    Ulev is right the second that light turns on you turn off the car... my gf called me and goes my oil light is on I had her pull over 5 secs later and fill her car up though her cars light comes on a lil earlier if she had gone a lil longer maybe even a minute her car woulda been dead!
    LoSx, Oct 17, 2004
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    03silverrolla Guest

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    my mother has a 91 camry and has a problem where she needs new valve seals.... actually there has been a point for about a week before we noticed that the oil level was below the bottom mark on the dipstick.... the engine still sounds good....... damn... lol
    03silverrolla, Dec 24, 2004
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    03silverrolla Guest

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    im thinking of possibly replacing my valve seals... its possible with the head on the block right?
    03silverrolla, Dec 24, 2004
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