2018 Kia Soul + 2.0l 4cyl - Oil consumption

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Jan 27, 2013
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CO (TX, CA and CO previously)
Would appreciate feedback before I speak to service advisor and tech on these images:

Friend’s car is burning oil and at dealership since yesterday. Tech advised that PCV is “leaking” (I already have a new OEM pcv from dealer parts dept). Tech also advised that cat converter is deteriorating based on bore scope (probably from excess oil burning, right???). The Kia TSB requires that oil leaks be fixed before Oil Consumption Test is performed.

What does the wear tell us on these OEM/factory plugs with 101k miles or so? Especially the one on far left. I’m going to see if actually wet when we go in to discuss the issues noted by tech.

Also, can someone advise whether bore scope should be used to check carbon buildup since tech recommends “combustion chamber cleaning” procedure now. I prefer to wait as piston soak should be part of TSB Oil Consumption Test as step 2 (assuming burn rate of 1qt or more per 1k miles).

I am expecting 2qts HPL EC30 delivery today or tomorrow. Could also order BG EPR.

Tech wants to replace spark plugs now. Per owner’s manual new spark plugs are due at 105,000 miles.

I want to wait to install new plugs until after the new pcv valve is installed, oil consumption test started (and possible dealer piston soak), HPL EC added, so as not to foul new plugs. It’s only a few thousand miles from now.

Thanks in advance!

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Here are photos from tech’s video of scope of catalytic converter and pcv valve opening…

I did not see any leaks when doing the oil change, nor can I tell if wet on the still shot or video from the pcv valve opening. What would the leak look like? Drips on plastic surrounding the pcv valve or internal into the opening?

Service records indicate my friend was routinely charged for decarb/flush/oil conditioner type products at each dealer oil service, along with fresh oil/filter etc. Example: at approximately 74k - dealer performs oil/filter change and premium oil conditioner. One thousand miles later (75k) service - perform 3 part fuel system service - throttle body cleaning, engine decarb/induction service and fuel system additive.

I added STP complete fuel system cleaner to gas tank before last oil change a month and 1500 to 2000 miles ago or so.

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Thank you.

So, is “combustion chamber cleaning” done now at step 1? It sounded like tech was using this phrase to mean overnight piston soak. Or does clean oil leak in updated TSB step 1 refer to leaking gasket or other leaks and wiping up drips from faulty pcv valve?

The updated TSB still says combustion chamber cleaning is step 2. So, I think I answered my own question.
 
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Should dealer charge my friend for the combustion chamber cleaning or should Kia cover costs? Dealer is quoting over $900 for work recommended. And says combustion chamber cleaning needs to be done now with new pcv valve.

Isn’t it likely the pcv valve was damaged as a result of the oil burning issue in these engines vs the cause?

Any advice much appreciated. Probably going to need to call Kia customer service and/or try different local dealer. Not in my friend’s budget. Newly minted school teacher.

I can help her with the pcv valve, do bg epr, use HP EC 30wt, and VRP 5w30, spark plugs, and negotiate with Kia/dealer(s). But, I don’t think I can or want to do the piston soak. Not in my wheelhouse.
 
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Should dealer charge my friend for the combustion chamber cleaning or should Kia cover costs? Dealer is quoting over $900 for work recommended. And says combustion chamber cleaning needs to be done now with new pcv valve.

Isn’t it likely the pcv valve was damaged as a result of the oil burning issue in these engines vs the cause?

Any advice much appreciated. Probably going to need to call Kia customer service and/or try different local dealer. Not in my friend’s budget. Newly minted school teacher.

I can help her with the pcv valve, do bg epr, use HP EC 30wt, and VRP 5w30, spark plugs, and negotiate with Kia/dealer(s). But, I don’t think I can or want to do the piston soak. Not in my wheelhouse.
Check the terms of the warranty extension, but I think the extension is pretty limited on what it covers.
 
Should dealer charge my friend for the combustion chamber cleaning or should Kia cover costs? Dealer is quoting over $900 for work recommended. And says combustion chamber cleaning needs to be done now with new pcv valve.

Probably going to need to call Kia. Not in my friend’s budget. Isn’t it likely pcv valve damaged as a result of the oil burning issue in these engines vs the cause?

Any advice much appreciated.

Check the terms of the warranty extension, but I think the extension is pretty limited on what it covers.
I think I will have to make a case given the service history and oil consumption - whether under the extended warranty or for goodwill.

I need a little extra help though on crafting the argument. Is it correct that the oil burning consumption and design issues/defects can cause the faulty PCV valve? Especially if dealer did 3 stage service for intake/fuel etc at 75k. Just 1k after an oil change? And maybe even at later service dates through 89,000 miles?

And is it correct to say cat was damaged by the excess oil consumption? The emissions warranty might have been in effect at 75k mile service. Have to check the manual.

If I did the pcv valve and bg epr is that sufficient cleaning of combustion chamber for purposes of demonstrating diy repair in case engine blows later while under the extended warranty? Or do I need to demonstrate a piston soak was performed? The piston soak procedure in the TSB is the one thing I don’t feel comfortable diy.

I have a bore scope new in box. Would I just put it in through spark plug opening and pcv valve opening to check the deposit level/fouling. Or ask tech to do so and video it like he did for the cat?

Should I leave her car at dealer another day to have her open claim with Kia customer service? Or take car, do pcv and bg egr, HPL EC 30wt and see if consumption is reduced?

Will new pcv valve get fouled if I don’t do the piston soak/tsb combustion chamber clean?

Tech said no codes stored. Although I pulled a p0014 at 98k and did not delete or reset.
 
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we are going through this now with my daughters 2019 tucson with with the 2.4 .at around 90k it started to suck oil . around 1 quart per 1k miles .

We took it to the dealer and they said they can do a consumption test, but we need to pay for an oil change . i asked the next step and it was combustion soak . if that does not fix it then they will send info to hyundai .

They did find a valve cover leak that they said had to be fixed before they could do the test . They did it under warranty . Except for this issue , the Tucson has been extremely reliable , just brakes and tires and oil
 
Service Advisor is going to discuss the issue with his manager and open claim with Kia. Will see how things turn out.

Provided service records indicating oil consumption issues have been going on at least since 74/75k miles if not earlier.

Also provided SA the new PCV valve I purchased at this dealership when I performed the 98k diy oil/filter change.
 
we are going through this now with my daughters 2019 tucson with with the 2.4 .at around 90k it started to suck oil . around 1 quart per 1k miles .

We took it to the dealer and they said they can do a consumption test, but we need to pay for an oil change . i asked the next step and it was combustion soak . if that does not fix it then they will send info to hyundai .

They did find a valve cover leak that they said had to be fixed before they could do the test . They did it under warranty . Except for this issue , the Tucson has been extremely reliable , just brakes and tires and oil
Was dealer going to charge you for the oil consumption test and piston soak? Or just charge the price of the oil/filter change?

For valve leak - you said done under warranty. Do you mean the original factory warranty or extended warranty from the class action or some factory/after-market extended warranty? Are you the first owner of the Tucson (purchased or leased new at dealer)?
 
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