Hi everyone. I've been a huge fan of BITOG, I've read more than 1000+ threads in the past 2 years. This is my first post and I need your insight.
I own a 2002 Fiat Stilo with the 1.6 16v DOHC 4 cyl "Lampredi" engine (182b6000) with 195k miles on the clock. I bought it used for fairly cheap last year. The engine feels strong, goes 130 mph on a straight line without much effort. Manual calls for 5W30 (for -20C) and 10W40, API SJ, ACEA A3. Updated manual calls for 5W40 FIAT 9.55535-M2 and OCI of 30k kilometers (18.75k miles) or 1 year.
So far, I've done 2 oil changes: the first one using mid-SAPS Fuchs TITAN GT1 SAE 5W-40 (API SN, ACEA C3). Ran it for roughly 4.2k miles. What's interesting is that I had practically zero oil consumption during the first 1800 miles, however, in the next 2400 miles the engine used 1.1 quarts of oil (roughly half quart/1000 miles). I then opted to change it for a semi-syn full-SAPS Elf Evolution 700 STI 10W-40 (API SN, ACEA A3/B4). Same behavior but this time the oil consumption started much faster, at just 1250 miles. Since then I've done another 1100 miles and the oil dipstick is just below the half mark. I have to mention that no smoke is coming out of the exhaust when up to temperature (except very early in the mornings, the usual moisture smoke as I drive short distances). My mechanic had told me that one of the gasoline injectors was somewhat "faulty" (leaky?) and in some cases it caused misfires for 10-15 after a hot start on one cylinder. Pressing the gas pedal 2-3 times for up to 4k rpm resolved the misfires instantly.
So coming to today: I decided to install a EuropeGas LPG system in this car. Reason? I like this car and I don't plan to sell it anytime soon. The price difference in Greece is more than 50% compared to gasoline so I will break even in less than 6k miles. The car runs very smooth and feels like it has more power on LPG. I also have to mention that this exact same engine has been used on the Fiat Doblo 1.6 Natural Power and it runs on CNG (methane) with the only difference being ECU and intake manifold. So obviously the engine is pretty well built to sustain the extra stress (if any) of the LPG.
What could be the reason for the oil consumption deep in the OCI? Could it be fuel dilution or just oil oxidation due to heat? What oil do you recommend me to use in the next OCI (and first under LPG operation)? Should I go mid-SAPS again or stick to full-SAPS? I plan to change my oil every 5000 miles. Some BITOG people said that I could use a CNG/LPG specific oil but these are hard to come by and are pretty expensive. Many point that LPG burning while doesn't make oil dirty (as it is cleaner than gasoline) it combusts at a higher temperature and can lead to oil nitration (HNO3).
I own a 2002 Fiat Stilo with the 1.6 16v DOHC 4 cyl "Lampredi" engine (182b6000) with 195k miles on the clock. I bought it used for fairly cheap last year. The engine feels strong, goes 130 mph on a straight line without much effort. Manual calls for 5W30 (for -20C) and 10W40, API SJ, ACEA A3. Updated manual calls for 5W40 FIAT 9.55535-M2 and OCI of 30k kilometers (18.75k miles) or 1 year.
So far, I've done 2 oil changes: the first one using mid-SAPS Fuchs TITAN GT1 SAE 5W-40 (API SN, ACEA C3). Ran it for roughly 4.2k miles. What's interesting is that I had practically zero oil consumption during the first 1800 miles, however, in the next 2400 miles the engine used 1.1 quarts of oil (roughly half quart/1000 miles). I then opted to change it for a semi-syn full-SAPS Elf Evolution 700 STI 10W-40 (API SN, ACEA A3/B4). Same behavior but this time the oil consumption started much faster, at just 1250 miles. Since then I've done another 1100 miles and the oil dipstick is just below the half mark. I have to mention that no smoke is coming out of the exhaust when up to temperature (except very early in the mornings, the usual moisture smoke as I drive short distances). My mechanic had told me that one of the gasoline injectors was somewhat "faulty" (leaky?) and in some cases it caused misfires for 10-15 after a hot start on one cylinder. Pressing the gas pedal 2-3 times for up to 4k rpm resolved the misfires instantly.
So coming to today: I decided to install a EuropeGas LPG system in this car. Reason? I like this car and I don't plan to sell it anytime soon. The price difference in Greece is more than 50% compared to gasoline so I will break even in less than 6k miles. The car runs very smooth and feels like it has more power on LPG. I also have to mention that this exact same engine has been used on the Fiat Doblo 1.6 Natural Power and it runs on CNG (methane) with the only difference being ECU and intake manifold. So obviously the engine is pretty well built to sustain the extra stress (if any) of the LPG.
What could be the reason for the oil consumption deep in the OCI? Could it be fuel dilution or just oil oxidation due to heat? What oil do you recommend me to use in the next OCI (and first under LPG operation)? Should I go mid-SAPS again or stick to full-SAPS? I plan to change my oil every 5000 miles. Some BITOG people said that I could use a CNG/LPG specific oil but these are hard to come by and are pretty expensive. Many point that LPG burning while doesn't make oil dirty (as it is cleaner than gasoline) it combusts at a higher temperature and can lead to oil nitration (HNO3).