AUGuy21

I have a '99 GS300 w/ 110K burning oil too quickly. Just switched from Mobil 1 Syn 5w30 to 10w30. It's been 1.5 mo. and 2,550 miles since last change. I just had it topped off and had to add 2.3 quarts. I've been on the interstate a lot in the past month and normally stay in the city. I notice no smoking and the oil change place noticed no leaks.

I can barely go 3,000 miles before the oil light coming on. I have no leaks in my garage.
Should I be concerned or is this normal at this mileage?

chuckb

that's not normal. it would have to be smoking and you'd smell it out the exhaust if it's burning 2.3 quarts in under 3k miles.

LEXSOOS

I was thinking the same

1 quart within 3K would be reasonable, but almost 2.5q is too much. Did you overheat your engine in past? if yes, than it might be: valve seals and/or piston rings damaged causing engine to burn the oil

When did you noticed that engine has such appetite for oil?

AUGuy21

The engine has never overheated before. I've noticed no smoke or burning odors from the engine or exhaust. I always take it to a 15 min. oil change place. The show me the dip stick after refilling and it shows full, but I wander if they are not initially putting enough in and it shows full b/c the oil hasn't settled down yet?

I started noticing it drinking oil about three oil changes ago. I used to be able to run about 4K before the oil light would come on. I usually always change between 3,000 - 3,500 miles. Then last change it came on at about 3,100 miles so I changed from 5w to 10w.
And yesterday it came on after 2,550 miles (1.5 months) after last change. However, I've travelled about 1,200 highway miles in the past month. The car hasn't been on a road trip like that in a long time. It's usually always driven in town.

gserep1

The engine should not burn oil at ALL. My GS400 has 127,000 miles on it, and it doesn't burn a drop. I use AMSOIL 0W-30 oil and never have a problem. I do extended drains, and keep the oil in for 15,000 miles, with 7500 mile oil filter changes.

Might I suggest that you check underneath the vehicle for leaks at the drain plug and the oil filter. It is possible that one of both of these are leaking. There may be 2 "O" rings on the oil filter base.

I would also put cardboard under the car and check for leaks each morning after backing out.

I drove across the country from San Diego to New Orleans and back during the summer, and it had the same oil in it on my return as it did at the start. No oil additions, and I've never seen the oil light except when turning the key to "ON" before starting the car. I'd have to investigate an oil loss that big. Check the valve cover gasket and the oil pressure switch that controls the oil light.

Good luck in your search, and if you are mechanically inclined, do your oil yourself. I don't trust anyone else but me....NEVER a place like Jiffy Lube or the like.

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

Good point gserep1

Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

I had the same problem with my GS3; I had like 140K miles on it. I didn't have any smoking of any kind as well. I did notice soon after I got my oil changed I would have some drops of oil on the ground the next morning and I think the next day too.

I had the car checked twice and nothing. I changed my own plugs and noticed some oil on the threads. I then had the seals checked and found that they were really bad/leaking. I had them changed, so you might want to have your seals checked and changed that helped me.

AUGuy21

Lexism,

Thanks for the heads up. Which seals did you have replaced? How much did it cost?

Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

I had the valve seals changed. I forgot exactly how much it cost me. I think it was around $200 - $280. I'll check for you.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Get the motor flushed out via the Bilstein process( it is safe for the motor, and done with engine off). The motor will be as clean as a baby's butt after. There is too much gunk in the motor now creating a lot of heat & friction, thus the reason you are burning oil

AUGuy21

Dashocker,

Can you elaborate on what is done for the flush? Can it be performed at the dealer? Is it expensive?

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

The service should cost you about 150 bucks at the dealer 99 bucks at a quick lube place. Very safe and no tools needed. Here is more info on the process

Heated R-2000 Engine Flush solution is pumped through the oil filter port at 42 PSI.

2 R-2000 Engine Flush solution flows through the engine's lubrication system dissolving sludge and varnish.

3 R-2000 Engine Flush solution backflushes the oil pump pickup screen. Dissolved sludge, varnish and debris flow to the oil pan where it is vacuum extracted to the BILSTEIN R-2000 Engine Flush Machine. Particulates over 3 microns are removed through three stages of ultra-fine filtration




http://www.motorlife.com/pages/efsys_cleaning_cycle.asp