Hi, as a new member of honda-tech I would like to introduce myself, Jason. Some of you guys really know your Civics inside and out so I would appreciate it if you can help out a dumb kid that has car trouble.

As a 17 yr. old, I really know nothing technical about cars so please explain in layman's terms.

My parents have bought me a used 2000 Honda Civic sedan last year, and it was not long before I noticed that my car would burn oil very quickly. I have never seen oil on the floor, so by reason I am assuming it dissapears through the exhaust. I have resorted to always carrying 5 quarts of motor oil in my trunk at all times, topping the engine off every couple weeks.

I am wondering if it is alright if I can use the car in this manner, keeping the engine full of oil by constantly filling it up, or if there may be some serious damage I might be causing?

Also I do plan on having the car serviced so if someone can provide a technical explanation I would appreciate it.

 

Drat, forgot the specs.

130,000 miles
Wasn't taken care of very well.

Sorry, thats all I know.

 

Well, it would be helpful if you write THE AMOUNT OF OIL you are burning in 1000 miles...

Like in example 1qt - 1000 miles...

Burning oil can be negligible like for example 0.5 qt - 1qt of oil between 4500 mile oil changes... that shouldn't bother you...

But if you are burning like 1qt in 1000 miles or even more, visit the mechanic and do a leakdown test...

Valve seals are a good thing to replace...

And maybe rings (if you experience excessive oil burning)...

Headgasket is OK??? No visible oil leaks??? Oil pan gasket looks OK???

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KKVTi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Like in example 1qt - 1000 miles</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's the standard manufacturers use for the requirement to tear down a motor. You need to monitor it, and see how bad it is. If it's bad, get a compression and leakdown test done.

 

what they said!

 

Do the leak down and compression but do you notice any oil puddling under you exhuast when idling? Do you notice a white smoke when you driving or when you take off from letting your car idle?

 

Sorry. I just got back from a long car trip and I found out that it burns about 1/4 a quart every 200 miles.

I have never noticed any oil puddling, I will look closer for white smoke but I haven't noticed any at all.

 

So 1qt every 800 miles? Sounds like you're ready for a rebuild. Do the tests to figure out what needs to be freshened.