Tips For Checking Oil Consumption (ASN 0896-03)

Publication date: 1996-08-01
Reference number: ASN 0896-03

TIPS FOR CHECKING OIL CONSUMPTION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): ASN 0896-03, Date of Issue: August, 1996

TIPS FOR CHECKING OIL CONSUMPTION

Model(s): All Acura Models

Category: Acura Service News

Group: Engine

Bulletin No.: ASN 0896-03

Date: August, 1996

SERVICE INFORMATION

High oil consumption is rare. Often, when customers think their vehicles use too much oil, you'll find there's no problem at all. So before you respond to a complaint of high oil consumption by making internal engine repairs, follow these tips:

Check for and fix any visible external oil leaks.
Change the oil and the oil filter. (High oil consumption is sometimes caused by dirty or contaminated oil.) When you refill the crankcase, make sure the vehicle is on level ground, and the oil is up to the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Show customers how to properly read the dipstick, then ask them to check the oil level every time they get gas, adding oil only when it's a quart low. Run this "test" for at least twice the mileage of the customer's claimed oil consumption. (If the customer says the engine uses a quart of oil every 500 miles, run the test for at least 1,000 miles.) During the test, have the customer keep an accurate record of the mileage and the amount of oil added. In many cases, the test will prove that there's no oil consumption problem, and the customer won't return to your shop with the complaint.
If the test confirms the vehicle has high oil consumption, check these items:
1. Verify normal engine operation. If possible, check the ignition system with a scope, and check for DTCs with the PGM Tester.
2. Ask about the customer's driving habits. (High-speed driving or high engine loads can increase oil consumption.)
3. Check the vehicle's maintenance record. (Infrequent oil/filter changes can cause wear on the rings, pistons, and cylinder walls.)
4. Try to find out if the engine has ever been overheated or run without oil. (Overheating or running without oil can cause piston seizure, and damage to rings and cylinder walls.)

NOTE: If the engine still has excessive oil consumption after you've gone through the possible causes and corrections in this list of tips, run diagnostic tests (cylinder leak-down, compression, etc.) to find the cause. Remember, don't make internal engine repairs until you know they're needed.