Is Oil Burning a Common Phenomenon in the 2018 Odyssey?
2 Answers
It is not a common phenomenon, but rather an individual occurrence. The reasons leading to oil burning in cars are as follows: 1. Poor fuel quality: The primary cause of oil burning in cars is poor fuel quality. When fuel does not burn completely, it forms a large amount of carbon deposits. Over time, these deposits accumulate and thicken, with some entering the piston, causing the piston rings to stick and the oil return holes to clog. This creates gaps in the engine, allowing air to enter the combustion chamber and participate in combustion, leading to oil burning. 2. Traffic congestion prevents complete fuel combustion: Due to traffic congestion, fuel does not burn effectively, generating a large amount of carbon deposits. These deposits clog the oil return holes, preventing the oil scraper rings from removing oil from the cylinder walls. The oil then remains in the combustion chamber and burns, resulting in oil burning. 3. Aging valve stem seals: Aging valve stem seals can also cause oil burning. Valve stem seals are made of heat- and oil-resistant rubber. They are exposed to high temperatures, gasoline, and engine oil, along with temperature fluctuations from cold and hot operations, which deplete the plasticizers in the seals. Over time, the seals begin to shrink, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn, causing oil burning. 4. Substandard engine oil quality: Substandard engine oil quality is another cause of oil burning. If the oil quality is substandard, its lubricating effect weakens. Combined with carbon deposit accumulation, the oil loses its lubricating properties, making it easier to wear down the cylinder walls. This wear increases engine temperature, quickly leading to cylinder scoring and engine failure.
As a long-term Odyssey owner, I personally don't consider oil burning in the 2018 Odyssey to be a widespread phenomenon. My own vehicle has nearly 60,000 kilometers on it with normal oil consumption, and every maintenance check has been fine. After consulting numerous owner groups, genuine cases of oil burning are rare - only some high-mileage older vehicles might have minor issues. Honda's engine design for this model is stable, and regular oil/filter changes can basically prevent trouble. However, any vehicle may develop issues over time, like piston ring wear or seal aging, so checking the dipstick monthly is smart practice for early problem detection.
