(not so) smart car

[dharry]

Hello, my 2001 smart car burns lots of oil (1L every 1000kms).
Do you think that I still need to change the oil every 10000 kms as per manual, or I can just keep topping it up and stop worrying?
In the place where I live, the right oil weight is 10w40... do you think that by switching to a 10w50 or 10w60 I could reduce my oil consumption?

thanks,

DH

 

[901Memphis]

No you don't need to change the oil at 10,000 if it's consuming so much but I would still change it to 20,000 km as well as a new filter.

I wouldn't want to move up to a 50 or 60, which could affect your fuel mileage in such a low power vehicle.

You may want to look for a high mileage oil that has extra seal conditioners to help reduce consumption. Can you get maxlife 10w40 where you live? I'm not familiar with the hm oils there.

 

[Rand]

why is it burning that much oil?

 

[R80RS]

Similar topic discussed here:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/why-change-the-oil-at-all.204323/

As expected, there is a range of opinion. Good luck with your Smart.

 

[MrQuackers]

Is this a manual transmission? What are the revs at hwy? Maybe shift at low revs, don't wind it up as much? Those Smart cars have tiny little engines.

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: Rand
why is it burning that much oil?



It's a 2001 Smart. I think that covers any quality issues.

 

[Trav]

May be of interest to you.

http://www.fq101.co.uk/articles/25-high-oil-consumption.html

http://www.evilution.co.uk/260

 

[gathermewool]

I wouldn't ever change the oil again with that much consumption! Change the filter per schedule and be done with it.

 

[eljefino]

I'd still change it once in a while to get the sludge out of the bottom. What is "diesel oil" like over there, cheap 15w40? I'd seek that out.

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
I'd still change it once in a while to get the sludge out of the bottom. What is "diesel oil" like over there, cheap 15w40? I'd seek that out.


What would you recommmend for a complete OCI?

I'll have to think on sludge formation vs pickup due to additive replenishment. I guess the formation might depend on the method of consumption...

 

[901Memphis]

That's why i recommended the 20,000 km oci/fci. Your filter should be good for 20k if your not worried about it.

 

[dharry]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Can you get maxlife 10w40 where you live?


I might buy it on German ebay... but with delivery costs it becomes too expensive. I'll look for another high mileage oil available here.

thanks,

DH

 

[dharry]

Originally Posted By: Rand
why is it burning that much oil?


First series smart car has a poorly designed engine... starts burning oil very soon, and it needs a rebuild around 70-80.000 kms.

best,

DH

 

[dharry]

Originally Posted By: MrQuackers
Maybe shift at low revs, don't wind it up as much?


I already try to keep rpms low, I've noticed that a little smoke comes out on full throttle, when turbo pressure is around the max... but driving slow can't fix the problem, on this stupid engine piston rings are very weak, I think that even at idle they let some oil in.

thanks

DH