Chrysler Repair: 1995 Chysler Cirrus oil leak/excess consumption?, worn piston rings, valve seals

Question
I have a 1995 Cirrus (2.4 liter) with an oil leak. Saw it coming from underneath where the dipstick is. Put a new sending unit on it, now I don't see any oil, but it's still thirsty. Where is it going?

Answer
Hi Bianca,
I think you will need to do some quantification of "thirsty" to really understand if you do or don't have another problem. Start with a known oil level, measured after the engine has been at rest for an hour, and if possible some where near full. If you add oil to get it full let it settle again for about an hour so you have a completer drain down into the oil pan. Then not the mileage on the odometer.  Drive the car as normal, checking the oil level after the 1 hour rest at the same location (or always on level ground) until the point where the level reaches the lower mark on the dipstick, which is usually a quart lower than the full mark. Then note how many miles you have driven and let's discuss it. You may have a false impression but knowing miles driven per quart of oil consumption is the standard way to access "thirsty".
The other possibility is to observe for blue smoke to come from the tail pipe after you have decelerated from cruising speed to a complete stop with the throttle closed (foot off the gas). Then when you step on the gas to resume driving forward notice what you see coming out the tailpipe for a moment. This is easier to do if you have a helper follow you who can observe for blue smoke. Blue smoke is a sign of oil being burned in the combustion chamber do to either leaky valve seals or worn piston rings.
Other than that, keep watching for any dripping under the engine in the location where you park the car for a while or overnight, which would be the sign of a continuing leak.
Roland