How do I know if my engine starting to burn oil??

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

I'm just trying to figure out that after driving the car for so long and checking the oil frequently, I don't smell a burning, nor do I see a SIGNIFICANT decrease on the dipstick, but I'm scared because I do see a SLIGHT decrease...should I try an oil change and a bottle of lucas stabilizer?

how much oil are you losing, and over how many miles?

I guess over the standard interval of maybe 3000 miles, I've seen the dipstick go from over full to just a little under full (about a fraction of an inch under) which concerns me because I just changed the pan on this car as well as the tranny. :s

That seems insignificant, and not out of the norm.

Originally posted by johnoh:
That seems insignificant, and not out of the norm.

Most of our engines burn very little oil.

However, it is within Fords' specifications of 1 quart every 1000 miles. And you should not worry, unless you see oil dripping onto your driveway or lots of black smoke coming out the tailpipe.

Originally posted by Tony2005:

Originally posted by johnoh:
That seems insignificant, and not out of the norm.

Most of our engines burn very little oil.

However, it is within Fords' specifications of 1 quart every 1000 miles. And you should not worry, unless you see oil dripping onto your driveway or lots of black smoke coming out the tailpipe.

okay thanks, I'm going to change it this weekend, finally going synthetic after 255,000 km, lol woo wee :s will I see any benefit from there? LOL

Your oil usage is excellent for a car with that many miles, I don't think you need to worry about it.

so basically don't worry about it? I mean I try and use Lucas whenever I can and going full synethtic 5w20 this weekend with a K&N filter

I've heard you look for bluish smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I hear that indicates buring oil.