What are the symptoms of engine oil burning?
2 Answers
Six common symptoms of engine oil burning: 1. The oil level in the oil pan drops significantly without any external leakage. 2. The exhaust gas from the tailpipe has a burnt oil smell. 3. The exhaust gas appears bluish. 4. The main exhaust pipe outlet and exhaust manifold are moist. 5. There are oil stains around the breather hole. 6. Sparks occasionally come out of the exhaust pipe. The severity of engine oil burning can be determined by observing the color of the exhaust gas. When the engine is idling, deep blue smoke may be emitted from the tailpipe. If the engine is briefly accelerated, excessive deep blue smoke will be released from the exhaust pipe, creating noticeable fumes. Sometimes, a large amount of smoke or pulsating smoke can also be observed through the oil filler port, which confirms the engine is burning oil.
I've encountered engine oil burning issues quite a few times, with very noticeable symptoms. The exhaust pipe often emits blue smoke, especially during cold starts or sudden acceleration – you can immediately smell that distinct burnt oil odor when the smoke appears. The engine oil consumption is exceptionally fast. I used to have to top up the oil every 2,000-3,000 kilometers, and checking the dipstick would show a significant drop in oil level. The car's power also weakens, feeling sluggish during acceleration, and there might be slight squeaking sounds or vibrations from the engine. Spark plugs get coated with oil residue and carbon deposits, reducing ignition efficiency. If left unrepaired for long, carbon buildup inside the engine increases, potentially leading to cylinder scoring or major overhauls – which means big expenses. So I recommend regularly checking your oil condition and addressing issues early to save trouble.
