Hello all! Long time no post! Quick question, is it possible to be more than 2 quarts low on oil between oil changes? I checked my oil 5000 miles after my last oil change (Mobile 1 Full Synthetic 5w 30) and my dipstick was dry. I added a quart and it only brought the oil level to 1/2 inch to the bottom
Of the dipstick. I have 115k miles and a slow leak. At my mileage I'm sure it's common to burn a quart and also loose some due to the leak.

Thanks guys in advance!

 

gotti, depending on what you want to believe, there are credible sources out there that say even new engines are capable of burning up to 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. So, to loose 2 quarts over 5000 miles with a known small leak, I would not be worried per se. Do you need to pay more attention to the oil level, obviously. But, this is a very manageable thing. If you can fix the oil leak at a reasonable cost, then go for it.

You may also find that running the full synthetic, you are going to have more oil leaks than if you step back to a traditional dino oil. The full synthetic oil is a smaller particle, and therefore can leak out through more places. As for the benefits of synthetic over standard oil, I am just going to side step that and leave that up to you and what you feel is best.

 

I agree with Thermo, but would definately go back to Dino oil. Running a 10-40 or 20-50 might help with the leak. Personally I change the oil (synth) every 7000 to 10000 miles and never lose a drop in between (knocking on wood). Have someone start the car while your behind it after its sat for a while. Look for blue smoke and that will tell you you have a valve guide issue, the oil leaks down from the top onto the valves and it ignites when you fire it up. Usually goes away right away. Also see if when you've been driving and the motor is warm whether it blows oil when you hit the gas from a stop. These are sure signs you are burning oil. If your leak is the pan gasket, like I said, get thicker regular oil and hope for the best, the repair is around a grand, you can buy a lot of oil for a grand.