Hi I have a question about burning oil. My 2000 ITR has about 130K miles on it and has started to burn a lot more oil. Its burned about 2.5 quarts between oil changes. This is just normal driving in and out of VTEC. I know its normal for these engines to burn oil but I am wondering at what point it becomes indicative of larger problem.

Thanks

 

Yes it is normal for ITR with 130k miles to burn oil, especially since you're driving in and out of VTEC. The issue is usually worn piston rings which are letting oil pass through into the combustion chamber. You will be fine driving and adding oil. When you start seeing the oil light come on in between oil changes is when you should start considering a rebuild to replace the piston rings (and other items included in a rebuild)

 

Try a can of engine restore 4cyl formula from autozone with a fresh oil change, This can really helps!

 

 

Is there black suite all over the back of your rear bumper?

 

Mine had leaking exhaust valve seals on number 4. Lots of oil deposit in head and on exh valve led to burned and broken valve. Could be oil rings or exh valve seals. Seals will get hard over time, but also need to check valve guides to make sure they are not worn excessively causing seals to not seal at higher rpm. I replaced valve guides, seals and piston rings around 180k. Starting to get that whiff of oil again on big cam after another 90k miles... Getting ready to replace valve seals.

Oil consumption is heavily related to rpm. Dropping highway cruising speed from 4,300 rpm to 3,800 rpm will make a huge difference.