Excessive oil consumption

[hattaresguy]

It seems more like a problem of the owner not checking the oil often enough since its an older vehicle.

Every time they fill it up they need to check it until they figure out what its burning.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: tinmanSC
I was changing my neighbor's oil today in their 2000 Ford Windstar with 122K. When I drained the oil out it was very very black. I know color is a poor indicator of oil life, but this was blacker than black. I was quite surprised. As I was draining the oil, I unscrewed the drain plug and the oil started to come out. I turned away for a second to get a Blackstone oil sample container, I turned back, and the oil was done draining. I got less than a quart out of the engine. I drained the filter (STP model S3600) and I got just under 1 quart of oil in total from the oil and the filter. This engine with filter takes about 5.5 quarts.

I'm a bit concerned about this. I understand they even added oil to this engine since the last oil change (the engine has been using high mileage oils for some thousands of miles). This is a great deal of oil to loose. There appear to be no leaks around the engine, so I assume the engine is burning the oil. I drive the van from their house, right next door, to my house and the oil light was not on.

I guess any advice would be helpful. This seems kinda nutty!


Change oil and filter often - until you notice better looking black oil when draining.

 

[Virtuoso]

Originally Posted By: CrAlt
The oil light is not a indicator of good oil pressure. Just an indicator of NO oil pressure.

Most senders only need 5 or 6psi to keep the light OFF. He could have been rolling down the highway at 3000rpm with 8psi of oil and AIR getting to the mains and that light isnt gona glow.


I'm still surprized it had enough oil to build pressure with just a half a quart in the pan. I had a Sundance blow a filter and slowly leak oil out. A normal turn around a corner would light the pressure idiot light and it had more than a quart of oil in it. Although not a lot more.