Should I be concerned if 05 Lariat SCAB (18,175 miles) oil level drops one quart approximately every 4,000 miles? Very conservative driving. No hauling. No towing. 16-17 mpg. Motorcraft 5x20, FL82S. 5,000 mi. intervals.

 

sounds like somethings not right to me. 200k I would consider it normal. if your still under warranty I'd get it checked out.

 

I wouldn't be. Motors burn small amounts of oil. 1 quart over 4k miles idoesn't sound too bad in my estimation.

 

No. I agree with WeelMA1.

 

really? wow, I stand corrected.

 

That is not much oil consumption at all. Ford used to consider anything over 1,000 as normal but I think they recently adjusted it to 1,500 miles. I had a Toyota T-100 that used a quart every 3,000 miles until I sold it at 179,000 miles and I saw it today with 207,000 miles on it and running fine. My Towncar has used a quart every 3,000 miles and it now has 106,000 on it and it has been fine.

 

Seems like a lot to me...
My '06 was doing that and I took it in - 1st time they changed the O-ring on the oil filler neck, 2nd time they changed the drivers side valve cover and PCV valve (said it was sucking oil).
Just got it back today so I'll keep an eye on it.
I can't buy into a new truck using oil - just does not seem right.

 

"Using oil"?? Its 1 quart over 4,000 miles. Thats great! I don't know what kind of usage you guys think you should be having, but thats very minimal.

 

I don't like it. We've bought ten new vehicles since 1976, and only one developed oil use, a 1978 Pontiac Sunbird with Buick 3.8L V6. I'm used to seeing no drop on the dip stick in a 9000 mile change with 5W30 synthetic. My '96 Cherokee I recently sold still did not use any oil at 106K, and it still did fine with the recommended 10W30. 1 qt in 4000, while perhaps not mandating repairs according to the specifications, still should be checked to see if a gasket or something is bad. The owner needs to get under the truck too, to see if he can find any wet spots to point out. Chances are this will continue to get worse, not better, without any help. If it's actually burning it instead of leaking, it could have to do with the crankcase ventilation like ShootinOK said, or may be related to the oil control in a cylinder, including valve seals, etc.

 

Appreciate each of the replies. Still uncomfortable being a quart low between every 5K oil/filter change, minimal or not. No noticeable spots on paved drive. Not yet looked for any on Lariat's under carriage, however. Feel like I ought to point it out while still under warranty. But hate sounding whiny. Could be any of several issues, as referenced. None sound good. Any/all additional opinions are certainly welcome and much appreciated.

 

MY 06 seems to be using oil as well, but I'm assuming its because of the Overhead cam design with the long timing chain. My 302 used to use a quart every 3000 miles, but that had 160k on it. This is not acceptable at all, but if everyone else is having the same issue, then it's got to be normal.