Sudden Oil Consumption

[Smoky14]

Speaking of 1999 Acura 2.3 with stick 88000 miles running PP.
This car has never used any oil and has been used for trips of over 100mi minimum and usually 300-600mi.
My oil use has suddenly jumped to a Qt in 4K miles. While not excessive, still a concern.
The typical driving has changed to trips that are 25mi each way but consist of a 6K ft climb of 16mi in length and of course a down hill closed throttle of 16mi with resulting high vacuum.
Would driving in these conditions explain my increase in consumption and should I think about a High Mileage oil.
Lets add one thing, should I consider this "severe" usage and change my oil change interval?
Thanks for your opinions.
Smoky the worrier.

 

[SatinSilver]

I had a 99 Accord 4cyl that started to consume some oil. A quart every 4k or so. Changed out the pcv valve with an oem version. Topped off with Valvoline MaxLife and no more noticeable consumption at all. Sold with 166k.

 

[LeakySeals]

The PCV system and valve seals would be 2 areas where down hill vacuum could expose them if something is awry.

 

[KrisZ]

Another vote for the PCV. Change it!

 

[bigjl]

I think your change in use may have something to do with it.

And due to rarely keeping cars for more than a few years (4 yrs is my longest) and using a minimum of decent Semi Synthetic or Full Synthetic without pushing the OCI I have managed to avoid PCV problems.

Though on a '99 it can't hurt especially if it is easy and not pricey.

 

[JHZR2]

Have you tried puing plugs? Sometimes oil gets past those seals in the valve cover and I believe slips past the threads.

PCV like stated is a good one.

Any signs of an outboard leak?

 

[Artem]

The sudden change in driving style is definitely a major reason for the increase in oil consumption. It could have been burning this exact amount all along but with the easy highway driving, you didn't notice it.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Sounds like normal valve seal creep to me. That downhhill driving is an oil eater - dont see a problem per se. The PCV is most likely eating some oil fog too - which is what they do. Maybe try an catch bottle ( if possible) as is used to "dry" compressed shop air.

 

[Astro14]

Wait..."jumped to 1 QT in 4,000"???

That's not really that measurable...you only have one measurement, which isn't statistically valid, not yet...even if valid, extended operation at idle (high vacuum) could be causing a change in consumption...but consider: that's less than normal on some cars, way less than cars with a problem...

Relax.

 

[TFB1]

You'll likely never see a difference in plug condition at zero usage vs 4K mi, maybe a difference at more than a qt in 2.5K mi...

The pull upgrade is no doubt going to create some blowby vapors that will be pulled in by the PCV system and on the down grade, the high vac will tend to pull oil by the valve stem seals as already mentioned...

I'd never worry about a qt in 4K mi, if it remains constant you can bet it's the change in route...