What are the things to check when it seems like you're using/burning a lot of oil. I just got an oil change a couple of weeks ago and I had to put in like two quarts last night.

Please state the obvious and the not so obvious, I want to check it all...

Jason

 

1. Look for leaking while car is running.
2. Look for leaking after parking.
3. Look for oil in other engine fluids.
4. White smoke from exhaust pipe.
5. Or your oil place didn't put the right amount in the first place.

 

Does it smoke when your on the throttle hard and is there any smoke while at idle. I would also recommend changing your own oil so you can be sure it gets done right.

 

check for leakage around the distributor also. I have a small leak there, but it doesn't burn or smoke at all. Just have to put a quart in every 5-6 weeks.

 

1. None that I can see
2. Small spot on ground (maybe 1.5" in diameter) after car sits for a long time.
3. For example?
4. None
5. I think-they put in between 4-5 quarts.

Not at all...perfectly invisible.

The only place I have noticed anything is possibly around the fill cap...there appears to be a bit of 'dirt' gunked up in oil after a week or two of running...but that wouldn't amount to the oil loss that is occurring.

Also, the bottom of the oil pan has a small amount of oil on it, not a great accumulation, it just 'slick' and black...no idea where it's coming from....just had the front pipe replaced at Honda, with them under the car, you would think that they would tell me about anything major (to get more $$$ out of me).

Jason

 

Test..
1. Start car.
2. Open hood and manually push throttle open.
3. Let it rev to 5,000 and hold it at 3,500.
4. After a minute or so of that check for leaking and pooling of oil.

Also consider higher mileage engines burn more oil than newer ones.

 

Check the coolant for oil.

 

check around tranny and near header........prolly have bad head gasket or cam seal.

 

^^^

also, check the tailpipe for oil residue, it will not feel the same as the usual carbon buildup does.

 

Check the oil pan gasket.

Clean it off with Simple Green, and wait a few days. If you see oil running down it again, you know you have a problem.