What to Do When Honda Odyssey Engine Burns Oil?
2 Answers
When the Honda Odyssey engine burns oil, a comprehensive vehicle inspection should be conducted. Additionally, using higher-viscosity oil can enhance the sealing between the engine pistons and cylinder walls. If abnormal oil consumption is detected, take the vehicle to a repair shop for inspection and replace the oil filter. It is also recommended to use high-quality oil and change it regularly to maximize its lubricating effect on the engine. Below are the reasons for oil burning: 1. Due to the mismatch between domestic fuel quality and international standards, excessive carbon deposits easily form in the combustion chamber during engine operation, which are the root cause of various engine issues. 2. Carbon deposits accumulate in the piston grooves, causing the piston rings to stick together. This prevents the piston rings from sealing properly, significantly reducing their oil-scraping and sealing capabilities. Additionally, sludge can clog the oil return holes, preventing normal oil flow and increasing oil consumption. 3. Carbon deposits also accelerate wear between the pistons and cylinder walls, leading to excessive gaps and allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. 4. Corrosion and aging of the valve stem seals result in poor sealing. Valve stem seals are among the most vulnerable parts of the engine, and most cars with over 100,000 kilometers driven face this issue. 5. Aging of the front and rear crankshaft seals. These seals are constantly exposed to oil, and impurities in the oil, along with continuous temperature changes in the engine, gradually weaken their sealing effect, leading to oil seepage or leakage. 6. Damage to the oil seal between the turbocharger and intake pipe, mainly caused by excessively long oil change intervals or the use of low-quality oil, resulting in insufficient lubrication and cooling of the floating turbo main shaft, which damages the oil seal. 7. High fuel content in the oil. Poor fuel supply system performance or inadequate fuel atomization can cause fuel or excessively rich fuel mixtures to enter the crankcase and mix with the oil, diluting it. 8. Clogged air filter, leading to restricted airflow, reduced intake pressure, and negative pressure, which draws oil into the combustion chamber and causes oil burning. 9. Clogged oil filter, increasing oil consumption. 10. Blocked or damaged PCV valve (crankcase ventilation valve), causing oil-gas mixtures to solidify and enter the intake manifold through the exhaust recovery pipe, leading to oil consumption. 11. Misaligned or incorrectly installed piston rings, though this is rare and unlikely. 12. Overfilling of oil, exceeding the upper limit on the dipstick. 13. Dirty throttle body.
My Honda Odyssey also burned oil last year. At first, the oil consumption was alarmingly fast, and the dashboard light occasionally flickered. I thought it was a minor issue and ignored it. Eventually, the engine started emitting blue smoke, lost significant power, and fuel consumption increased. Common causes include worn piston rings or aging valve seals—typical issues for older vehicles. If you encounter similar symptoms, the first step is to regularly check the oil dipstick—measure it every two weeks. If the oil level drops by more than half a liter within 1,000 kilometers, be alert. Don’t attempt DIY fixes; instead, promptly visit a 4S shop or a reputable repair shop for diagnostics. They can test cylinder compression and check for leaks. Repairs might involve part replacements, but spending a few thousand upfront is far better than delaying. For prevention, I now strictly change to full-synthetic oil every 5,000 kilometers to keep the engine clean. Addressing oil burning early avoids major overhauls, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Older cars need diligent maintenance to last.
