sxwk12

I know this can't be normal. I have a 99 GS300 with 98,500 miles that drinks oil constantly. My oil light comes on every 4000 - 4500 miles after getting an oil change. i go to check the dipstick and it is pretty much empty. I don't have a leak so what could be causing it to drink so much? Instead of getting an oil change, all I do is add 5 qts of oil and change the filter.

Someone please tell me what could be some possible culprits.

Sidney

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Does not sound good. If you don't have a leak it's either burning the oil internally or getting vaporized while you drive on the engine (like a rear main seal leak).

Have you (or someone following you) noticed any increase in smoke from your exhaust? If so, what color is it? Does it have any significant liquid or oily residue coming out of the exhaust? Do you smell oil burning when you come up to a stoplight or see any smoke?

sxwk12

I personally haven't noticed any smoke and no one has mentioned that to me. I don't smell any burning oil at all. I will have to check the residue in the morning and get back to you on that.

Sidney

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Also suggest you take off your radiator cap and see if there is any white vaseline-like residue on the cap or visibile in the radiator.

gserep1

I have a 2000 VW Beetle that eats oil like that. That engine has low tension rings, and as such, is designed to use a little oil from time to time. Toyota/Lexus has no such rings in our engines, and should not be using oil like that. Just a couple questions.

1. Did you buy it new?
2. Has it always done this?
3. If not, when did it start?Did you do anything to the car just before it started using oil?
4. Has the engine ever been overheated?
5. Are you now (and have you always) used the right grade of engine oil for your climate? If it is hot in your location, use thicker oil, because it will start to break down and evaporate if it is too thin.
6. Have you done any internal engine modifications, or installed a turbo of some sort?
7. (and final question) have you checked your PCV valve?

You said that there are no leaks anywhere, but have you inspected underneath the car to see if oil is around the oil pan at the front or rear main bearing seals? A clean undercarriage would indicate no leaks in that area. I said #7 was my last question, but I asked another anyway..(sorry about that). Don't forget about that drain plug and oil filter base.

The oil could be going past the rings and into the exhaust trail without you knowing it. As it has been said before, check the exhaust. There should be telltale signs SOMEWHERE!
Good luck in your search, and keep in touch.

GSEREP1

sxwk12

Alright, I have not gone outside yet but I will in a few but I can answer some of the questions asked already.

1. I bought it used with 80,000 miles on it.
2. It just started up about 8,000 miles agao.
3. Have not done anything to the car since I got it except replace the windshield twice in one week.
4. Never been overheated since I had it.
5. I can't remember what grade I used, i just iused what was mentioned in the manual, which I think is 5w 30.
6. No mods.
7. Didn't check pcv valve but I will. Where is it?
8. Didn't inspect underneath the car. Just never saw any oil spots in the driveway.

Thanks for all your help. I will check out all of your suggestions today.

Sidney

1998GS400

GSEREP1- I disagree with reason number 5.. Oil will NOT break down and evaporate...

sxwk12- Take it to a mechanic and have him do a compression test, shouldn't cost much. This will answer most of your questions as to where the oil is going.