Wow, thanks for all the responses.
Originally Posted By: jldcol
So a qt. per 1k miles, yeah that's a lot. I think the morning blue puff is a sign of valve stem seal leakage. Has the use been the same, or is going up? You can use the miracle drug ARX, a metal cleaner it seems, but thats better on the ring pack I think don't see it much use on a worn valve seal. You should compression/leak down test it and see better where problem is. If rings can clean at some risk, may get better and may get worse. Hopefully is was cheap enough to allow for some reserve to buy make up oil.
Initially I had no idea it was drinking oil like crazy. I picked up the car for $1400 and knew it needed some minor cleaning and tune up. Changed the oil and filter, used Walmart Supertech full synthetic 10w-30, and a WIX filter element. Within 3 weeks the low oil level indicator came on and I checked, sure enough it was about 1qt low, just under the min level on the dipstick. During the first 3k miles it needed 4 quarts added to it. At this point, with my next change coming up, I'm going to be at just over 2.5 quarts added. I have been using Castrol GTX High Mileage since this last change. So far it seems the oil consumption is slowing down a bit.
Originally Posted By: toytundranator
What oil brand and weight are you using? Switching to a heavier, high milage oil might reduce the oil burning.
I used the Castrol GTX High Mileage 10w-30 this last interval and it does seem to be helping with reducing the oil burning. It also may be that I am a pretty enthusiastic driver and at least once a day I open it up and blow that carbon buildup outta there, and I make sure to change the oil regularly.
Originally Posted By:
[email protected]
You need to put oil burning on the back burner for a second...
I have a 2005 Saturn L300 and had a 2000 LS, both with the same 3.0l engine (albeit some intake changes).
The engine is an interference engine and is VERY finicky with timing belts. The timing belt must be changed around 100,000 times or you are on borrowed time. At that time, the water pump and tensioners are changed.
I would take the timing belt cover over and see if that belt has ever been replaced. If not, that'd be my priority.
Other than that, we have logged over 130,000 miles on the 3.0l engine. Aside from oil coolers, regular maintenace (run valvoline syn in ours), its a great engine. Great mpg's and lots of power.
Thank you for the advice, I have been on a Catera forum on and off for a few months and learned about the timing belt issues that plagued the 97-98 models which gave the Catera such a bad reputation. From what I had heard though was that the change interval had been reduced to 40k miles and that the original interval was 60k, 100k was madness, am I wrong here? It could also have something to do with the belt routing on the earlier models, they often suggest replacing the bracket that the idler pulleys attach to... I have no idea when mine was done last, if at all, and I have an appointment this week to have my mechanic change the belt, pulleys, water pump, etc.
Originally Posted By: OMCWankel
You might consider using a HDEO in this engine. Rotella T synthetic 5W40 is a good choice, as it is also certified for gas engines. HDEO's have a proven record on this board of reducing oil consumption.
What may I ask is an HDEO ?
Originally Posted By: tig1
Caddy's seam to have an oil burning problem.
http://caddyedge.com/CadForums/viewtopic.php?t=492
Thanks for the link, they seemed to be talking mostly about the Northstar engine, which is of a different design and construction.