losing a oil per mile or time it doesn't matter?

[AnarchyX]

Okay so I have an '04 Impala with the 3.8 6 cylinder engine. It's got 66,000 miles on it and the oil has always been changed religiously at 3k.

It's losing about a quart of oil every month, but what doesn't make sense is that it loses it if I drive 30 minutes in stop and go traffic (Houston) every day for about 8 miles each direction OR is I drive 30 minutes to another site where I drive 20 miles each direction, with easier traffic.

Is this normal? Does oil burn steadily regardless of how the engine is doing, but dependent on the amount of time it's running?

I have a very light foot, so it's not as if I'm ever gunning it.

Any help would be appreciated. She runs smoothly and doesn't leak one drop anywhere.

 

[stchman]

Check your PCV valve. No reason an engine should be consuming oil at rate unless something is wrong.

Changing every 3K is a waste.

 

[AnarchyX]

Oh okay. didn't know it had one. My old '02 Envoy didn't so I forgot about these.

Now to see where it's located.

 

[Branson304]

Definitely check on the PCV valve because that car shouldn't be going through oil that quick considering no leaks & low miles.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: AnarchyX
Oh okay. didn't know it had one. My old '02 Envoy didn't so I forgot about these.

Now to see where it's located.

Try this: http://www.ehow.com/how_6369056_replace-pcv-valve-buick-3800.html and a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hpX-CPCWAE

Try to use an OEM part. When I first changed the valve on my '03 Park Avenue, I used an aftermarket part, and it rattled in the housing. After that I purchased the ones from the dealer.

 

[AnarchyX]

Thanks for the link!