Jeep JK oil consumption

[BlueLesPaul2006]

Hello all I am new to the forum. I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.8l V6 auto trans. These Jeeps have a mechanical problem with the engines. Some parts such as the pistons were made in Mexico when my Jeep was built. The Mexican plant installed piston rings upside-down and with the gaps in line causing oil burn. I know the real fix is to get the engine fixed but I may have to fight with the warranty company. Should be an easy fight since its a well known problem and I have all the problems associated. I am trying to come up with an idea to slow the burn before I can get it fixed.

Here are my thoughts, habits, and findings:

1. I warm the engine before I drive, and drive like a normal sane person. the engine has 52k miles

2. Jeep recommends 5W-20. Using that I burn 1 quart every 1000 miles. I used a slightly thicker weight on the last change.

3. With 5w30 I burn 1 quart for every 1200-1300 miles.

4. I would like to slow it down some and I am thinking of 10w30 with the next change. Maybe High mileage (but do not want to mess up my cats or emissions)

5. I use Pennzoil Platinum and would like to stay away from oil additives for warranty reasons (since they do a oil analysis to fix this).

Any thoughts?

 

[JT1]

Stick with the reccommended grade of oil as to prevent the dealer from blaming your consumption on that. Also you should consider switching to a cheaper oil since your dumping it out the tailpipe.

 

[demarpaint]

PM me and I will suggest a fix that I gave to a buddy that worked for him. In fact he happily informed me about it Friday, they are going to warranty his engine!

 

[Chris142]

I've read about the 3.8L burning oil but this is the first time I have heard of the reason. In autoshop we were taught not to line up rings but we were also taught that rings do move around on the piston as the engine runs.

One would think that the rings would move around enough to become unlined up?(Is unlined a word?).

I can see upside down rings causing a problem.

 

[demarpaint]

Lining up the rings is not a good idea and will cause consumption, they can however rotate out of alignment and correct themselves. In the case of the Mexican built 3.8L Jeep engines they were installed upside down so all bets are off. Some burn a lot more than the OP's does.

 

[BlueLesPaul2006]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
I've read about the 3.8L burning oil but this is the first time I have heard of the reason. In autoshop we were taught not to line up rings but we were also taught that rings do move around on the piston as the engine runs.

One would think that the rings would move around enough to become unlined up?(Is unlined a word?).

I can see upside down rings causing a problem.


I am no Jeep mechanic. I have just read this on 3 different Jeep forums and it makes sense to me. In addition in 2009 (i believe) they stopped making the engines in Mexico. (Please do not think I am trying to blast Mexico I am just stating facts).

 

[BlueLesPaul2006]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Lining up the rings is not a good idea and will cause consumption, they can however rotate out of alignment and correct themselves. In the case of the Mexican built 3.8L Jeep engines they were installed upside down so all bets are off. Some burn a lot more than the OP's does.


Yes I am not as bad as others. I have read that people burn 2qt for every 1000 miles.

Please forgive me if this is a stupid question but is there a way to spin the rings with out tearing down the engine?