QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1992 240 Volvo sedan, automatic transmission, with 185,000 miles. It is consuming a quart or more of oil every 1,000 miles. The rate of consumption seems to be increasing over the past 2 to 3 years. It does not leak oil when parked. It starts and runs fine, albeit a little noisy. I had the PCV/flame trap serviced recently. It runs more quietly, but still uses the same amount of oil. A person at one website suggested replacing the air box thermostat. I will probably do so, but I do not understand how that would affect oil consumption.
The service writer at the Volvo dealership I use said keep adding oil and drive it. This does not seem right. I had an 1980 240. It did not use any oil between oil changes. I sold it at 220,000 miles due to rust and low oil pressure.
What do you think are the likely causes and what would you suggest?
Thank you.
ANSWER: Pat,
Replacing the air box t/stat will not help the oil consumption. You consumption is burning some oil during the running. It could mean rings are weak valve guides a bit loose, and some oil is being burnt.
Both of the possible problems will be major work to repair, the engine is showing signs of wear. I am sure that most dealers would not want to tear apart your motor, that they would sell you a reman engine. I would say if you want the oil consumption stopped and you are keep the car get the reman motor. If the job is to costly just add the oil and drive.
Now there is also the possibility that the rings are gummed up and not sealing well causing oil to bypass them and burn. There are some chemical flushing additives on the market that can help to chemically clean that out and slow the consumption. Be sure that you very carefully follow the directions.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for a very helpful response. A few follow-up questions:
1. Are there any chemical flushing additives you would recommend?
2. Do you think that switching to Mobil 1 or similar oil would reduce oil consumption? I had read that years ago this would cause seals to leak in older cars. But that current formulations of Mobil 1 contains additives to prevent this.
3. Is there a level of oil consumption (miles to quart) that is so low that one must either fix the car or junk it?
AnswerPat,
I would use the product BG Engine flush, follow the directions.
Toss up on the type of oil, the car is older and always used regular oil. personally I would stick with the regulator.
About one quart in 1000 miles is not too bad, I would just add the oil. You know the car uses oil so keep a watchful eye on it.
