My beloved 2000 Accord LX 2.3 with about 175k has begun over the last 30k or so to use what seems to be an excessive amount of oil. I'm needing to add a quart about every 1300 miles.

This car is driven almost exclusively highway (120 miles a day to work) and has seen Mobil 1 and a new Honda filter every 7500 miles since whatever the dealer put in it on the first (highly reccomended) oil change. I just had my daughter help me do a compression test and was shocked to see about 215 PSI on all cylinders. This seems high to me, but would indicate a perfect bottom end.

My questions are these: 1) Is this excessive oil consumption? It's not smoking and the plugs look clean. It's not dripping on the garage floor. AND 2) Where's the oil going?

I'm hoping to put another 75k or so on this car (2 kids in college)! and it looks like it's up to the task, but the oil issue has me concerned. Comments? Thanks!

 

honda says that 1 qt in every 1000mi is considered normal

 

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In a 4cylinder?? I doubt it

I would say just to make sure and keep updated on your maintenance and also double check your cooling system. I would personally flush your radiator and check all filler tubes and caps/covers throughout your bay etc.

 

Thanks for the quick replies! I have read in other places that Honda thinks a quart per K is ok. I guess since it's not smoking visibly or fouling plugs it is...... This is my third recent Honda (2 integra's with 200k each before this) and this is the first one that has used a drop of oil. Since I'm running Mobil 1 this quart per 1500 thing is costing me alot of $$ (ok I'm cheap)

The engine bay is clean, no..... sterile, only a little tiny weep on the cam cover, my next parts order will have a new gasket in it. And the coolant is clean, although it's time for a flush anyhow so not a bad idea. My guess it that it's going by the valve seals, when I change the cover gasket, I'll have a look at them: Can they be changed on this engine with the head ON?

 

yeah they should be able to replace the valve seals without removing the head. They use compressed air through the spark plug holes to keep the valves pressed against the head. I wouldn't think it would be too terribly costly.

IMO a quart per 1500 miles is A LOT. My old 85 Escort with blown rings didn't burn that much! Does it smoke out of the exhaust initially upon start up after sitting a while; that's a classic sign of valve seals?

Can't really think of anything else it could be if your compression is good.

 

nope... no smoke.... EVER. I would think that this much consumption would lead to at least a puff at startup, especially if it's valve seals.