Oil consumption

[fly boy]

Posted on behalf of a friend (honest)

He's recently bought an 01 Tuscan, 17,000 miles.
Just been serviced by a main dealer.

But since he's had it, he's topped the oil up by 1.5litres over 1200 mile.

I think that sounds excessive, I don't think I use that much in mine.
The dealer (nameless) reckons 1litre in 500 miles is not unusual.

How much oil does your Sp6 use & what would you call excessive?

TIA
FB

[vyt]

Some would say that is normal but for me that is huge, my 2003 S6 with 15k on the clock has maybe used 1/4 litre between services.

[andyoleary]

My 2001 tuscan (bought at just over 17Kmls, now with 22K miles on the clock) used about half a litre in the first 500 miles I had it but has since been a bit better with the 500 mile trip up to Blackpool not seeming to consume any oil at all

Andy

[peekay6]

My '00 tuscan uses about a litre every 1000 miles - that also depends on how hard I drive it though

[TurboTomato]

Could be worn valve guides - does the top end sound a bit rattly?

[the-gofer]

Surely it depends on the oil as well - I use 0w40 in mine and it really is like water (2001 Tuscan 4.0 "Cams and follower rebuild" in June this year) - I go through maybe a litre every 600 miles - which I have been told is not excessive - I do tend to use most of the rev range quite a lot.

I have been advised by a number of people (including some respected garages) that switching to a high quality thicker mineral oil would result in less burn, but haaven't managed to have the guts to try this yet - I might try spome 10w40 or 50 next.

Perhaps I ought to ask opieoilman....

[fly boy]

TurboTomato said:

Could be worn valve guides - does the top end sound a bit rattly?

I don't know, he only asked me today & I haven't seen it yet.
He did say the oil pressure is ok though.
Going to follow him this w/e & see if there's any smoke on hard acceleration or on the over-run.

Just thought I'd ask the question here to see how much everyone else uses.

Edited by fly boy on Thursday 9th November 16:46

[T66ORA]

TurboTomato said:

Could be worn valve guides - does the top end sound a bit rattly?

How can worn valve guides make the top end rattle? 500 miles per ltr on early cars is nothing to to worry about at this moment in time change to a thicker oil and tell him to keep am eye on the consumption and when he gets to 200 mile per ltr start being concerned. From experience Tony

[basil brush]

My '00 car uses about a litre every 1k miles and has done for the 3.5 years and 25k miles I've had it. It does vary a bit, depending on driving style. Long high speed runs can increase it a bit. At the last service, TVR Power filled it with 10w40 semi-synth (I use magnatech) as they think synth is a waste for road use.

[TurboTomato]

T66ORA said:

TurboTomato said:

Could be worn valve guides - does the top end sound a bit rattly?

How can worn valve guides make the top end rattle? 500 miles per ltr on early cars is nothing to to worry about at this moment in time change to a thicker oil and tell him to keep am eye on the consumption and when he gets to 200 mile per ltr start being concerned. From experience Tony

If they are badly worn, surely the valve is going to move around a little in the guide where it normally shouldn't? Mine was at the 1l per 200 mile mark and has just come back from the factory where they replaced a worn valve guide (or guides, not sure how many were replaced) under warranty. Previous to that, the top end sounded very tap-tap and now that's pretty much gone. Just going from my experience, that's all...

[rralston]

I was using approx 1 litre every 1000miles, although a prelonged blast on the twisties would use a bit more

[Fly Boy]

Had a good look & listen to his motor on Sunday.
No untoward noises & no smoke on acceleration or on the overrun.
Oil pressure 56psi cold & 49psi hot.
We'll monitor the consumtion & see if it gets any worse.

thanks for all the comments guys

[Howitzer]

I'm not an S6 owner but work with lots of engines for a living.

Personally I think it all comes down to use. Some engines hate being run at idle when hot, so town driving means they use far more. Some use quite a bit with hard use (My 500E is a good example, no oil added in 6000 miles but long sustained runs at 140plus meant I used 1.5 litres in 3000miles).

Visible smoke either on or off load is a problem, apart from that aslong as the trend is the same, so if it uses quite a bit then it is steady, not using lots and then very little at times then you are ok.

Personally i'd prefer to use a little as topping it up keeps your additive levels topped up.

Dave!

[Far Eastender]

I checked the TVR manual which came with the car to determine the engine oil capacity and it states '???'!

Both the 4.2 and 4.5 hold 6 litres, so what about the 4.0 S6?

[NCE 61]

Far Eastender said:

I checked the TVR manual which came with the car to determine the engine oil capacity and it states '???'!

Both the 4.2 and 4.5 hold 6 litres, so what about the 4.0 S6?

Tuscan handbook says 11 litres for the first fill and 8 litres max at oil change. My previous Tuscan use to be about 6 litres at oil change time.

[YI8TVR]

Chris have you checked your friends air filter ? See if it is oiled up..