Originally posted by JSmith:
there is also the possibility of oil vaporization. As the oil heats up it evaporates faster. Every liquid has this property, it is called volitility.
Every brand and grade of oil has a different volitility based on its formulation and base stock. Generally, synthetic oils have a lower volitility than a mineral base oil.
If this condition occurs there will be little or no indication of it on the spark plugs. Usually this happens with low quality oil, if the oil gets too hot, or with oil that has become contaminated over its course of service. In either case, increased volitility is usually a good sign that its time to change it.
Change your oil, try a different brand if you like, and see what happens.
Very good point. However, since the engine is essentially closed, I'd expect these vapors to burn, leaving deposits on the plugs.
Plus, I would be shocked to have 1qt of oil vaporize in 1 week, unless you are driving 500 miles a day
TB
