At what level of oil burning does a vehicle require an overhaul?
2 Answers
Normal driving with slight blue smoke from oil burning indicates the need for an overhaul. Engine oil burning is caused by wear and aging of piston rings and valve stem seals. Valve stem seals can be replaced without disassembling the engine, but piston rings require engine disassembly for replacement. Therefore, the issue of oil burning cannot be completely resolved without an overhaul. Preventive measures to avoid oil burning: Use high-quality engine oil: Premium engine oil provides excellent lubrication, as well as good cleaning performance and stability; Pay attention to fuel system cleanliness: Using high-quality fuel additives can keep the fuel system clean, which is key to preventing oil burning; Regular vehicle maintenance: Regularly change the engine oil and oil filter.
As a veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience, I've seen countless cases of oil burning. The key is to monitor the oil consumption rate. If the engine loses more than 0.8 to 1 liter of oil per 1,000 kilometers driven, it definitely indicates severe internal wear, such as damaged piston rings or failing valve stem seals. Delaying an engine overhaul in such cases will only make the situation worse. Pay attention to warning signs like blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, reduced power output, or frequently illuminated oil warning lights. I recommend using a dipstick to measure oil consumption first. Recording data for a week or two will give you a good estimate. Addressing the issue early can save you the cost of replacing the entire engine later, and it's much safer and more reassuring.
