TorontoA64.2

Hi...

My car seems to be using a bit of oil - when I checked it about 400 miles ago, the level was about 3/4 (from the min mark) between the min and max mark on the dip stick. Now, 400 miles later, it's at around 1/4 (from the min mark) between the min and max mark on the dip stick.

I didn't smell any weird oil smell from the engine, no oil burning smoke, and no oil drips on the floor of my garage.

What could be the cause of this? Could the recent extreme cold weather caused some gaskets to contract a bit and let oil seep through slowly and burn?

Thanks in advance.

Hy Octane

What kind of oil and when did you last change it?

RockiesVTwin

I spoke with my mechanic about the very same thing and he said that it's typical for these cars to "use" oil. I typically use at least 1qt between oil changes using Valvoline 10w-40. The owner's manual actually has a spec for oil use and an interval.

TorontoA64.2

Last oil change was almost 7500 miles ago (it's almost time for another oil change). Oil used was 5w-30. Thanks.

richmond5

Based on your observation, for 400 miles it consumed about 1/2 the marking. To refill from min. to max. on the oil stick is about 2 litres. That means your engine consumed 1 litre. per 400 miles. I was told by the audi dealer 2 litre per 3000 miles is acceptable. Your may have a trouble. Does it just happened during the extreme cold winter months? I am from GTA area!

SloopJohnB

I think it's high no matter what Audi says. Our 2K 4.2A6Q has about 61K miles on it and the oil level stays the same for 8K oil changes. Used synthetics exclusively after the first oil change at 8K miles per Audi maintenance schedule.

Ok, that being said, there are several ways to find out what's what. First, I'd put an oz or so of oil dye/tracer in the crankcase. Run the car for a few days and then use a UV penlight or BF light and check for oil leaks. It's surprising how much oil can leak out at speed and be swept away under the car.

If that doesn't show where the leak(s) are check the compression/leakdown of the engine, has the engine been overheated (valve seals?), etc., etc.

I like the UV leak testing, myself.

TorontoA64.2

Thanks for the reply.

If there really is a leak somewhere, wouldn't there be oil on my garage floor? This is really puzzling. As I mentioned before, no oil burning smell, no smoke and no oil on the garage floor. What problem could it be?

It does seem to occur most severely in winter months. In summer, although there is still some oil consumption, it seems that rate is much slower - I basically don't even need to top up between oil changes.

Any other ideas? Thanks again for your help.

Hy Octane

Try changing and see if consumtion stops. Sounds like tired oil.

TorontoA64.2

Hi...

Thanks. Interesting...do you know why tired/old oil leaks and new oil won't? Also, where did my oil go? Did it just got burnt off?

Please let me know. Thanks.

Hy Octane

In my 94 S4 after about 2500 miles on Mobil 1 or Syntec and no oil being used, the motor would suddenly begin burning oil much as you describe. In 500 miles it would be half a quart low and it would continue to burn at this rate until I changed the oil and filter. This is the only time the motor would burn oil. With fresh oil it didnt use any... until after 2500 miles again. Now granted, this was a turbo and they go thru oil faster than a non turbo... But I made some inquiries and found that as the oil becomes saturated with blow by fuel and all and additives like Techron, the viscosity begins to reduce and the oil becomes 'tired' and burns off easier. Now in the v8 we have 8 quarts of oil... Try changing it and see if your problem stops. If you are having no leaks this might explain why you are noticing a sudden oil level reduction.If not, then the problem is more serious. BTW, I switched from commercial synthetics to Redline 5w-30 and this cured the problem in the S4. I am currently running Redline in the v8 as well.