Friend's STi was 3.5 quarts low

[flyingtoaster]

My friend bought an 07 STi with 70k miles two months ago. I checked his oil today and the dipstick was dry. I told him to fill up from the 10 quarts of Valvoline Ultra 10w30 he has in his room, before starting the car again. He insisted on buying 5w30, since it is recommended. Whatever. Anyway, the car took 3.5 quarts. Would it be a good idea to do a used oil analysis? Anything else to check. I convinced him to go with Rotella T6 5w40 on his next fill.

He says the extended warranty will cover a new engine.

 

[cancov]

Originally Posted By: flyingtoaster
He says the extended warranty will cover a new engine.


Ohhhhhhhh yeah, bump, bump, chik, chik, ckika (An attempt to quote "Ferris Bueler's Day Off")

 

[oggb]

Only way it should have consumed that much oil is either neglect or a mechanical problem.

Cracked ring lands are unfortunately common in STIs from 2006 onward. He'd be able to rule that out via compression test.

Could be a turbo seal too I suppose - does it smoke badly at WOT?

 

[VVTinme]

It's stories like this one that reinforce my belief that it's often a bad idea to buy a used performance vehicle.

 

[Trav]

My wifes niece was burned alive (true and long story) in an 08 this past October, the turbo oil feed line let go. It was also using oil at an alarming rate about 3-4 qts in 500mi before the line/pipe blew, it may have been cracked before.

It caught fire driving and by the time she knew it was on fire it was too late, she panicked and crashed and didn't get out.
Get this car checked out yesterday.

 

[antonmnster]

Wow my condolences. Life is fragile.

 

[flyingtoaster]

Originally Posted By: Trav
the turbo oil feed line let go. It was also using oil at an alarming rate about 3-4 qts in 500mi before the line/pipe blew, it may have been cracked before.

I hope somebody from Fuji Heavy Industries committed Seppuku for that one, especially since I haven't heard of a recall for turbo oil feed lines. How would I know if it was bad? I don't think there is any smoke.

 

[Trav]

Some were recalled but AFAIK not the STi. Look for oil around the turbo oil feed at about 2500 RPM to get the oil pressure up or just take it to a Subaru dealer.

 

[addyguy]

Geeeze, Trav, that's awful! Very sorry to hear that....

:S

 

[PZR2874]

That oil is somewhere.... I call neglect