Oil consumption help

[JoeJ]

Have a 6.9 with a Banks Sidewinder Turbo. Engine runs good but uses too much oil it doesn't leak, there is no smoke, first crank up in the morning no smoke, under max power no smoke. Need help rather fix than replace it.

thanks

[1957F100]

Ive got the same problem. Have owned my truck since August 2007 and i used to check the oil every other week, but after 5 months of checking it every other week to find out the oil level never moves between oil changes i got lazy and stopped checking. the other day i was changing the fender on my truck and thought hmm i haven't checked the oil in probably 2 months...maybe i should check it...well guess what it was 4 qts low. i almost died right there.

i did a oil change last night and im going to start checking the oil every other week again. there are no oil leaks any where on the engine and it doesnt seem to be burning oil. but i did notice that ive got a film of oil in the air cleaner housing. could that be part of my problem?

didnt mean to hijack the thread. but it seems like ive got the same problem as joe. is there any film of oil in the air cleaner housing on your truck joe?

[tbone91]

Two things that come to mind are over-filling with oil and not servicing the CDR.

The oil level should be checked with the engine warmed up a few minutes after you shut it off.

The oil film in the intake points to a possible problem with the CDR (the tuna can attached to the air cleaner). It should be cleaned periodically (every other oil change). You don't want to be sucking in a lot of oil, because it could cause head gasket failure...

[PLC7.3]

DieselDon

Oil consumption, and the proper checking of the oil levels in Ford diesels comes up periodically. Ford dipsticks are calibrated for hot oil. The 10 quarts in the IDI engines expand about 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart as the oil heats up, and contracts the same amout after cooling. If you check the oil first thing in the morning ( which I grew up doing ) the engines will all indicate oils level below full, but when checked hot, will ( after a 10 minute drain time ) the oil level is usually at full. If you are checking the oil cold, and keeping the level at full, you are actually over filling the engine which will burn of the extra rapidly.

Suggestion: Check oil hot after 10 minute drain time.
Don't add until level reaches add line ( 2 quarts ).

In my days at Ford this often cured, or at least improved, the apparent oil consumption complaints.

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Do you know when to service your CDR valve?

All 6.9L and 7.3L diesel engines are equipped with a CDR (Crankcase Depression Regulator) valve. Even the new 7.3L Power Stroke is also equipped with the same valve. The CDR valve is one of the leading causes of head gasket failure in these engines. The CDR valve is responsible for controlling the pressure/vacuum in the engine crankcase, and seperating the oil mist from the air and returning the oil to the crankcase. The CDR valve should be serviced every second oil change or when signs listed below are seen.

When the CDR valve is not properly serviced, engine oil enters the air intake and is drawn into the engine. The diesel engine will burn this oil as fuel, however, it is heavier and thicker than diesel fuel and, having greater BTU output, causes excessive heat in the cylinder. Due to the intake manifold design, most of the oil will migrate to #7 and #8 cylinders; the last two cylinders in the rear by the firewall. The increased temperature here will cause the cylinder head to lift off the gasket and allow water or oil to leak out the back of the cylinder head where it meets the block.

To check your CDR valve, remove the air cleaner hold down bolt and inspect it. If the bolt is covered with engine oil mist, it's time to service your CDR valve! Ford calls this item a "Adapter assembly for Crankcase Ventilation" Part number E3TZ-6A665-A or IH part #1805319C1


To service the CDR wash with a solvent, allow to dry, do not use compressed air to dry. There is a small hole in the CDR back cover, ensure it is clean and open. If black chunks of rubber are visible in the intake, on the screen then the rubber membrane has disintegrated, replace the CDR.

[1957F100]

hmm since ive had my truck(Aug 2007) ive never serviced my CDR, and i really doubt the PO even knew what it was.

i know what ill be doing tomorrow. what type of solvent do you guys use to wash your cdr? and how long do i need to dry it after washing?

[S.P.]

Dave S says to use a can with gas; (swish it around I think) S.P.

[85_Ford_6.9L_4x4]

When you get done cleaning it just set it on an old towl and let it air dry, DONT use an air compressor to blow it out, you could damage it.

[Dave Sponaugle]

I use gasoline, but do be careful about fire if you use it.

If it has not been serviced for a while, you may have to soak it for several hours before all the crud has a chance to disolve.
Holding your hands over the inlet and outlet with some gasoline inside the CDR and shaking it rather briskly every once in a while helps the process.

When you get the CDR service on a regular schedule, it is much easier.
Whe I do an oil change, I start by removing the CDR and dropping it in a can of gasoline.
Then drain the oil out of the pan, remove the oil filter.
Shake CDR.
Reinstall oil filter and drain plug.
Shake CDR.
Drain CDR and lay aside.
Add oil to engine, grease chassis and driveline, check axle fluids, tranny fluid, transfer case fluid.
Change fuel filter.
Reinstall CDR.
Check coolant.
Ready to run again.

[S.P.]

[quote=Dave Sponaugle;6193728]I use gasoline, but do be careful about fire if you use it.

If it has not been serviced for a while, you may have to soak it for several hours before all the crud has a chance to disolve.
Holding your hands over the inlet and outlet with some gasoline inside the CDR and shaking it rather briskly every once in a while helps the process.

Thanks Dave I knew you would drop by and lend a hand ......I knew I wouldnt remember all of it....

[Dave Sponaugle]

You had the biggest part of it.

I would say if the CDR has not been serviced in a while, it will be very black looking inside.

When it is clean, you will see shiney metal in there.
That may take a while to see.

Just don't try brushing with anything and don't use compressed air, the diaphram which you can not see will be torn.
If that happens, the CDR needs replaced.



Used your mouth and blow air into the vent hole.
Stick your finger in the intake side hole of the CDR against the washer. (back side in the picture)
You should be able to feel the washer move when you blow in the vent hole.

If it does not move, but you can build pressure, you need to soak it longer.
If you can not build pressure, the diaphram is ruptured, you need a new one.

[S.P.]

Have Dave, would carb cleaner/brake cleaner or diesel be OK???

[Dave Sponaugle]

I think I would worry about the diaphram with carb or brake cleaner.

Diesel may work, it does a rather good job an asphault.
Might take a bit longer to work though.

[JoeJ]

Was checking the oil cold and if it showed a qt low it was ok. Have used 1gal or more in 1500 miles. Have never checked the CDR valve. Will check and clean it and see what happens.

thanks Joe

[JoeJ]

Checked CDR had about a half cup of oil in it. Cleaned, checked reassembled. Checked oil as advised. Less than 300 miles since adding 2 qt's and it was almost 2qts low. Any other ideas I could use?

thanks Joe

[FORD MEGA CAB!!!]

You may need a new one like me. Mines not that bad but I cleaned it and it still lets by too much oil. Oh, and its the original one with 190,000 miles on it. It may just be time to change it.