What to Do When an Old Car Burns Engine Oil Severely?
3 Answers
This phenomenon occurs due to the aging of valve stem seals. The solution is to remove the engine cylinder head and replace the valve stem seals. The engine needs to be lifted out for a major overhaul. The repair time is approximately 2-4 days.
My old car started having serious oil burning issues last year. As an average car owner who doesn't drive much, I noticed the engine oil was depleting unusually fast. Initially, I tried some simple solutions like switching to higher viscosity oil grades, which I heard could reduce seepage. I also made it a habit to check oil levels before every drive, topping up whenever it fell below the minimum mark. This helped maintain the situation for several months without complete resolution, though it prevented further deterioration. Later, a friend suggested getting a professional inspection at a repair shop, which revealed severely worn piston rings. Left untreated, this could have led to complete engine failure and posed serious risks during high-speed driving. After careful consideration, I opted for piston ring replacement and valve stem seal repairs, costing several thousand yuan, but the car's condition improved significantly. For older cars burning oil, I recommend not delaying - monitor oil levels yourself first, but seek professional diagnosis and repairs if the problem worsens. Safety should always come first.
As a technician who frequently works with various vehicles, I believe that severe oil burning in older cars mainly stems from internal engine wear, particularly the failure of piston rings and valve guide seals. If oil consumption is significant, the first step is to diagnose the root cause. A simple approach is to use a compression tester to check if cylinder pressure is abnormally low or to observe if there is noticeable blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. For routine maintenance, it's advisable to regularly replace the appropriate engine oil and avoid using low-viscosity oil. In terms of repairs, minor wear can be addressed by replacing rings and seals, costing around one to two thousand yuan. However, major engine overhauls for severe wear can be expensive, potentially exceeding ten thousand yuan. At this point, it's necessary to evaluate whether the car is worth repairing. My experience suggests not cutting corners to save money, as neglecting the issue increases the risk of engine failure and safety hazards. If possible, have a thorough inspection done at a reputable shop.
