normal oil consumption

[rickya91]

I own a ,98 Forester w/ low miles, and it seems as though every 500 miles
or so, it's about half a qt. low, is this normal? my other vehicles, never
burnt a drop between changes.

 

[Edward Hayes]

My 2000 Forester uses about 1/4 quart in a 5,000 mile oil change interval. I
found if I drive sportingly, like frequently shifting at 3500-4000 and using
the motor for breaking the consumption increases to 1/2 to 3/4 quart per
5,000 mile change. Are you using a good quality 5w30 or 10w30 oil that meets
the SL spec.??? My vehicle did use ~ 1/2 quart per 3000 miles during the
first 5-6,000 miles. My vehicle now has 66,000 miles and normal easy driving
get ~1/4 quart per 5,000 miles. Are you seeing any leaks and did or are you
breaking it in correctly by not babying nor jamming it or using a constant
speed for long periods of time??? Ed Hayes

 

[rickya91]

I just bought it a couple of months ago so I don't know how it was taken
care of, it runs really good, no leaks at all I'm just not used to a
vehicle that burns oil especially with that low of miles, I've got an
Accord with 165,000 miles never burns a drop????

 

[Edward Hayes]

Change oil to a good name brand oil such as CastrolGTX or Pennzoil or even
Mobil 1 synthetic together with a new oil filter. Check to make sure that
the PVC valve is working and the connecting hoses are not pinched shut. 1/2
quart per 500 miles is very excessive and something is wrong. Is the car
smoking out the tail pipe which might indicate valve stem seals worn? Ed
Hayes