I replaced my Accord's oil about two, not more than three, weeks ago.
I've driven her approximately 10 hours during this time and ran roughly 400 miles. She's been sitting at home most of the time cuz registration is expired. I took her into Honda for that airbag recall, and the tech told me that the oil level on the dipstick is below minimum.
Before this (when I used to drive her a lot) I also experienced low oil levels and would consistently be having to top off. Does anybody know what can be causing this excessive oil consumption? Radiator fluid isn't milky or anything, it's in very good shape. I recently replaced the hoses and thermostat.
And it doesn't seem like coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber from what I've observed during oil changes.
The left axle seal (into transmission) is leaking, but that's tranny fluid, I wouldn't imagine it's an oil leak.
Could it be the piston rings? What are the different possibilities of why she's sucking down so much oil?
She has about 140,000 miles.
Oh and also, there are no oil stains on the ground when I move her from a parked spot. So I think it's safe to assume it isn't an oil leak.
knowledgeable input is highly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well if it isnt leaking then it can't lose oil unless its running to my knowledge. I would start by filling it to the top of the fill line, driving for at least a mile or 2, and then parking it with carboard underneath the whole engine bay. Let the oil settle then check the oil level, leave it over night and see if there is oil on the cardboard and also check the oil level again. Also check the spark plugs for oil. Post up when you get some resuts My guess is that you will probably find a leak if it is losing that much oil when it hasn't been run.

Theres (i think) 4 seals on the engine in addition to various gaskets that could be leaking. Cam, crank, balancer (which are on the front, in the timing belt area), and rear main (which is between the engine and tranny) seals (someone correct me if i am wrong.) Oil filters commonly leak when there is an old gasket stuck to the block. Oil plugs are way way way too easy to strip which causes that to leak. The head gasket, valve cover gasket, or oil pan gasket can leak. It probably isn't the head gasket since that would put oil in your coolant or coolant in your oil. I'm sure I missed possible leaks but someone else can fill in what I left out.

 

thanks cstone.... what about if the spark plugs have oil deposits? what can be the cause of that. Cuz they do. Maybe that's part of why my oil level is low?

 

I'm not a pro by any means when it comes to internals so here is a link that should help. (Its in the Civic section but the same ideas will still apply to you)
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...ark+plug+stems

 

that could be part of it but i'm pretty sure if that was the only problem then it would be hardly running for it to lose that much oil that fast.

is there smoke coming out of your exhaust? if so what color?

 

When she's cold is slightly white, but once the coolant has reach operating temp I don't see any smoke... but i haven't tried gassing it and watching the exhaust

 

Additionally, the valve cover bolt directly next to the PCV valve broke from the screw-in part (don't know what it's called) so I've just stuck it into the cover with the rubber seal still on it to protect the valves from debris until i get new ones.
As for your courteous link, i read the posts and the problem seems to be pointing at the piston rings . I recently replaced the spark plug tube seals (o-rings) on the valve cover... so what do you think?
I added two quarts of oil just now, and after work Ima drive home to do the cardboard thing... I'll post what happens tomorrow.
Thanks!

 

that sounds normal. that just sounds like steam to me more than actual smoke.

 

there are lower spark plug seals also, it sounds like you just replaced the uppers. that could possibly be the problem but my money is on it having something to do with the broken valve cover bolt. i would try to get that taken care of as soon as you can.

 

btw i saw a write-up for doing the lower seals. take a look in the FAQ and try a search, i'll try to dig it up when i get a chance.

 

Well although I see no signs of oil seepage from that valve cover bolt, you might be right.... I did the cardboard "test" and this morning there was no oil on the cardboard at all. I looked at the dipstick and the oil level looked fine--the same as it was yesterday when I added the two quarts. Ima try to get that valve cover bolt ASAP.
Ima keep observing the oil level and try to spot a trend... If it's the lower plug tube seals, Ima just get new piston rings and gaskets while I'm in that area.
Is there anything else you would suggest I replace while I'm in there?

 

Here are some links I found. The first is a walkthrough for the tubes on an f22 but i believe it is pretty much the same for an f23, I'll look for one specifically for your engine though. The second is for valve adjustment, which I would recommend at least checking if its been close to 30,000 miles since the last time.
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...lug+tube+seals
http://www.6thgenaccord.com/forums/s...ead.php?t=5211
I'm thinking that maybe oil is somehow getting where it shouldn't because of the bolt but I could be completely off.

 

Awesome. thanks dog.
Would you happen to know where I can find a DIY on how to replace the drivebelts and water pump? (i.e. Timing, P/S)

 

The one in the FAQ is for an F22B1 (94-97 EX) I think I saw one for the F23 so I'll keep looking for that one. But anyways here is the one from the FAQ https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/how-replace-timing-belt-timing-balancer-belt-water-pump-f22b1-1908944/

 

Wow, this is great stuff.... Thanks a lot.... I got a project to do this month!
Just gotta come up with the feds to pay for new parts.... I may as well get all the seals/gaskets for the area while the head is off.

 

No problem. Glad I could help! Just so you know there is a ton of good info in the Accord FAQ Thread. Here is the link.
http://https://honda-tech.com/forums....php?t=1664547

 

Yes. You have a worn engine and you are burning oil. Use a thicker (heavier) grade of oil. A quality high mileage oil would be a good choice for your car.