Some oil consuption a good thing?

[D189379]

It's probably better for your oil, but I can't imagine any of your downstream emissions equipment would enjoy it much. I'd rather change my oil sooner, than drop 1200 on new cats because they fouled up with burnt oil.

 

[dparm]

As long as consumption remains constant, I'd say it's fine.

I wouldn't switch oil types on consumption alone.

 

[Jeff_in_VABch]

Originally Posted By: Scuderia
Let's say you have a car that will consume oil X brand, but not with Y brand. Would it not be better to use X brand, because even if it consumes, you're putting in fresh oil every so often?


Assuming the oil is actually being consumed by the engine, oil usage is always bad. It indicates worn valve guides, rings, other mechanical parts, or gasket failure in the intake areas (think GM 3.4 disasters).

When you have oil enter the combustion chamber, it creates deposits on the piston tops and exhaust valve area. When oil can pass into the combustion chamber, blowby can also enter the oil system too. This causes the oil to become contaminated more quickly with combustion byproducts than a tight engine.