Oil Usage Problems
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Washington DC Area
Oil Usage Problems
I have a 1998 Expedition EB with about 88,000 miles. I have been experiencing a 2-3 quart loss per each oil change. I have no oil leakage, the coolant is green and not foamy and the oil is clear, don't know exactly what it could be need some help.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
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From: Texas, USA
Boy that is a bunch of missing oil! Are you only going 3 to 5K miles between changes? Assuming you have the 5.4liter engine, are you saying that when you put in oil, you put in 6 quarts including filter, but when you drain it out, there is only 3 to 4 quarts including oil in the filter?
Malfunctioning PCV valves can cause excessive vacuum conditions to waste oil, but I never heard of it in those quanities. Is there no smoke from the exhaust? Is there no check engine light?
Malfunctioning PCV valves can cause excessive vacuum conditions to waste oil, but I never heard of it in those quanities. Is there no smoke from the exhaust? Is there no check engine light?
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New User
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From: Washington DC Area
tsdrallyer,
Thanks for the reply. I have monitored the oil usage, and find around the end of 3500 miles I am having to put in 2-3 quarts to get the dipstick up to full again (cold). As far as the beginning amount, that is the first thing I check following an oil change, and it is registering full. As far as the smoke, there is none. All the true tell signs for rings etc are not showing, no leaks and the fluids are clear, just lacking oil, don't know where it is going? It is a 5.4ltr and it is mainly driven in highway. Additionally no check engine light is coming on, it is running great just missing the oil. Anything you can help help would be appreciated.
Thanks for the reply. I have monitored the oil usage, and find around the end of 3500 miles I am having to put in 2-3 quarts to get the dipstick up to full again (cold). As far as the beginning amount, that is the first thing I check following an oil change, and it is registering full. As far as the smoke, there is none. All the true tell signs for rings etc are not showing, no leaks and the fluids are clear, just lacking oil, don't know where it is going? It is a 5.4ltr and it is mainly driven in highway. Additionally no check engine light is coming on, it is running great just missing the oil. Anything you can help help would be appreciated.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Conroe, Tx. USA
We bought a used 99 Expy EB w/ 5.4L a couple of years ago for my wife. It has just over 120K on it now and most of its' miles are highway or cruising on FM roads north of Houston.
I have used the Mobil One synthetic oil since we got it and either a Purolator Pure One or Mobil One filter so I normally go about 6K between changes.
I too was concerned about the oil use but again there are no obvious signs like the blue smoke, etc. I have talked w/ others and from what I gather these engines do consume oil, maybe due to the emissions equipment.
I don't have to add as much between changes, maybe 1 1/2 to 2 qts. per 6K (sometimes more) miles. I try to monitor the oil level and add when it is about a qt. low instead of waiting until change time. Besides lubricating the engine, the oil plays a key role in dissipating engine heat.
I have used the Mobil One synthetic oil since we got it and either a Purolator Pure One or Mobil One filter so I normally go about 6K between changes.
I too was concerned about the oil use but again there are no obvious signs like the blue smoke, etc. I have talked w/ others and from what I gather these engines do consume oil, maybe due to the emissions equipment.
I don't have to add as much between changes, maybe 1 1/2 to 2 qts. per 6K (sometimes more) miles. I try to monitor the oil level and add when it is about a qt. low instead of waiting until change time. Besides lubricating the engine, the oil plays a key role in dissipating engine heat.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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I'd do a compression and leak down test. Even if you do not see visible smoke, it may still be burning a fair amount of oil. I had a Bronco with a 351 that burned about the same amount of oil you are and never had noticable smoke. My problem was leaking valve guide seal. Tsdrallyer has a good point too, check your PVC.
Pbfoot
Pbfoot
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas, USA
Quickest, cheapest thing to do is replace that PCV valve and test results. If that's not it, suspect valve seals. I get 3500 miles per quart of oil now. A little less if I'm towing 5200lbs for that disance. This at 123K miles on the odo.
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New User
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From: Washington DC Area
Oil usage problems
Thanks to everyone for the responses, I will definitely try the PCV change first and see where it goes from there, will update everyone on the results
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