What would cause inconsistent oil consumption?

[e36andy]

So I have a 2013 Accord Sport with about 149,000 miles and I realized around 100k that my engine was consuming a decent amount of oil. Maybe half a liter or so in between oil changes. It's slightly gone up over the years but here is when things get weird...

I've had times where I check the oil level at 2,000 miles and I'm at the minimum line and there are times where I check the oil level at 2500 and have barely lost any oil. What would cause it to be inconsistent like this? No oil leaks under the car for the record...

 

[Chris142]

Low tension piston rings moving around and occasionally lining up.

 

[michaelluscher]

Varying levels of fuel dilution burning off and or intermittently dysfunctional PCV operation?

Rings moving around is probably the best guess yet

 

[Brian123]

So I have a 2013 Accord Sport with about 149,000 miles and I realized around 100k that my engine was consuming a decent amount of oil. Maybe half a liter or so in between oil changes. It's slightly gone up over the years but here is when things get weird...

I've had times where I check the oil level at 2,000 miles and I'm at the minimum line and there are times where I check the oil level at 2500 and have barely lost any oil. What would cause it to be inconsistent like this? No oil leaks under the car for the record...

Are you the Original Owner?
What oil are you using now and what other oils have you used?
What are your OCI's?

 

[e36andy]

Varying levels of fuel dilution burning off and or intermittently dysfunctional PCV operation?

Rings moving around is probably the best guess yet

PCV valve has been changed but I’m going to try changing it again at 150k.

Is the piston rings moving around like that normal? Is it dangerous? Any need for concern?

 

[e36andy]

Are you the Original Owner?
What oil are you using now and what other oils have you used?
What are your OCI's?

I am the original owner actually. Always have used 0w 20. Used Castrol Magnatec for about 100k or so and then have been using whatever I can get my hands on these days. Kirkland a few times, Supertech a few times. Pennzoil a few times. Always synthetic 0w 20. And in the last two years I've started to use the High Mileage version of the brands I cited.

Every 5k OCI occasionally going 100 or 200 miles over. My dad taught me well so I've always kept things well maintained.

 

[SatinSilver]

Pennzoil while a good cleaning oil can be prone to oil consumption when switching between brands. Sometimes the consumption will go down the more you use it especially with consecutive use.

 

[buster]

Used Castrol Magnatec for about 100k or so and then have been using whatever I can get my hands on these days.

Could be the back and forth switch of brands, carbon deposits on rings or low tension rings as Chris142 said.

 

[4WD]

Dallas ? Try a 10W30 synthetic next …

 

[e36andy]

Dallas ? Try a 10W30 synthetic next …

You think it’s the heat causing it?

 

[4WD]

You think it’s the heat causing it?

No - just the kind of climate one can use a narrow spread 30 … with that many miles it’s not a bad idea to bump viscosity …

 

[SatinSilver]

You think it’s the heat causing it?

Speaking of heat, make sure the cooling fans are working properly.

 

[Warstud]

What oil are you using now ?
Are you using different oils ?
I wouldnt use synthetic

 

[e36andy]

What oil are you using now ?
Are you using different oils ?
I wouldnt use synthetic

I’ve been using Kirkland the last couple of times. What’s the issue with the synthetic?

 

[Warstud]

I’ve been using Kirkland the last couple of times. What’s the issue with the synthetic?

Try using a conventional like Pennzoil or Castrol or even a HDEO

 

[e36andy]

Try using a conventional like Pennzoil or Castrol or even a HDEO

I’ll get some Castrol GTX next time… what viscosity? And what’s an HDEO?

 

[Warstud]

I’ll get some Castrol GTX next time… what viscosity? And what’s an HDEO?

You could even use T1 SAE 30 in the summer

Or T4 10w30

 

[e36andy]

You could even use T1 SAE 30 in the summer

View attachment 167192
Or T4 10w30

View attachment 167195

Do you mind quickly explaining your reasoning behind recommending these oils? What’s the benefit of running something slightly more viscous and why conventional? Also, what’s the difference between the T1 and the T4?

 

[tnt_motorsports]

Do you mind quickly explaining your reasoning behind recommending these oils? What’s the benefit of running something slightly more viscous and why conventional? Also, what’s the difference between the T1 and the T4?

T1 is mono viscosity and T4 is multi viscosity. Both are conventional oil.

FWIW I’d run Super Tech 10w30 in your car and not worry at all.

Just my $0.02

 

[kschachn]

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