Saturns Burn Oil ? Really?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by mr_mahoney, Nov 8, 2003.

  1. mr_mahoney

    mr_mahoney Guest

    Sorry to be sarcastic, but I unfortunatley bought a '95 SL1 that
    drinks oils. After reading many articles, I replaced the valve seals,
    and it still uses oil, no smoke or even odor. Some articles talk
    about oil being sucked into the fuel and being burnt.

    After noticing the PCV valve hose was collapsing from age, I wonder
    how much vacuum is inside the valve cover. Can I just drill a vent
    hole and let the Valve train breath? This should keep the oil in the
    right place? Any concerns to the engine if I do that?

    Really I think I've figured it out....Saturn is really a division of
    LawnBoy ! Eveyone hates adding oil to their Saturn frequently.....yet
    we add oil to the fuel every time we mow with our LawnBoys and love
    them!

    Do Saturns come in Green ! ;)
     
    mr_mahoney, Nov 8, 2003
    #1
  2. In the case of lots of oil being used, it's bad rings (even on a new engine)
    that lets the oil get into the combustion chamber.

    There is pressure inside the valve cover, not vacuum. Get a new hose and
    PCV valve, and if you want, there's a little filter you can get to bypass
    the other rubber hose the goes from the vent to intake plumbing - that's
    what I use.

    I'm still using a generic mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine - it's
    borrowed from my Mom who bought it at least 20 years ago. I change the oil
    every other year or so and rarely add oil. Maybe Briggs & Stratton should
    make engines for GM's Saturn?!?! (wink)
     
    Jonnie Santos, Nov 8, 2003
    #2
  3. A number of people have reported good results from a combustion chamber soak
    with something like GM Top Engine Cleaner - it seems a lot of the oil
    consumption is due to the rings getting stuck with deposits and not
    controlling the oil properly.
     
    Robert Hancock, Nov 8, 2003
    #3
  4. mr_mahoney

    BANDIT2941 Guest

    The problem is inferior Hastings piston rings used at the factory.
     
    BANDIT2941, Nov 8, 2003
    #4
  5. mr_mahoney

    Joe Agro Guest

    Someone mentioned that their manual even said that they ate oil... But I've
    yet to hear where it is written and can't find it in my 1995 SL1's manual.
    :)

    Anyhow... They seem to eat it under all circumstances and a piston ring
    change is cost prohibitive... Anyone have comparisons between city and
    highway oil useage/burnage?

    Regards,
    Joe - VROC #8013 - '86 VN750 - joe @ yunx .com - 973.571.1456 24/7

    Ask me about "The Ride" on July 31, '04:
    http://www.youthelate.com/the_ride.htm

    http://www.gearhand.com - The very best in frustrating, cool games.

    4 bedroom house for sale OR 2 bedroom apartment for rent - Northern, NJ -
    eMail me for details.
     
    Joe Agro, Nov 8, 2003
    #5
  6. A lot of people on the saturnfans.com forums have had success reducing oil
    consumption with an MMO soak.

    The idea is to free up sludged oil control piston rings by letting a little MMO
    sit in the combustion chamber overnight to dissolve the gunk.

    Can't hurt to try.

    Details at http://tinyurl.com/u734
     
    Reverend Vertigo, Nov 8, 2003
    #6
  7. Ah, I didn't see your response before I posted mine.

    Yes, GM Top Engine Cleaner should work well too, tho I hear from those in the
    know that MMO is preferred. Supposedly it eats through the gunk on the rings a
    little better.
     
    Reverend Vertigo, Nov 8, 2003
    #7
  8. When I went through the official oil consumption test through the dealer
    they said 1 quart in 2000 miles was normal - I was closer to 2 quarts if I
    remember correctly. re: 1997 SL2

    And I'm still using very little oil since the rebuild, however some
    spirited, high rpm driving will make the oil level drop - I think that's
    typical with most engines. You run them hard and some oil has got to get
    past the rings. My engine is getting a little old now and so my spirited
    driving is pretty infrequent - my normal driving is still probably a little
    more intense than some...
     
    Jonnie Santos, Nov 8, 2003
    #8
  9. I usually use MMO when my oil level drops a little before the next oil
    change - figure it couldn't hurt...
     
    Jonnie Santos, Nov 8, 2003
    #9
  10. mr_mahoney

    Mason121 Guest

    I usually use MMO when my oil level drops a little before the next oil
    When does this oil consumption thing start
    on a Saturn car? I have a 97 Sc2 with over
    40k miles and it doesn`t burn a drop between oil changes. After the so called
    break in period I have driven it very hard everyday.
    Dan.
     
    Mason121, Nov 9, 2003
    #10
  11. mr_mahoney

    brane_ded Guest

    Mine started after 90K miles. I add 8 oz. MMO to oil at 250 miles
    before an oil change. (as per Wolfman at Saturnfans)

    Let's keep in mind...oil burning (slight) is preferred to blow-by!

    b_d
     
    brane_ded, Nov 9, 2003
    #11
  12. mr_mahoney

    Joe Biadasz Guest

    Well I just did the Marvel mystery oil.. 3 ounces in all cylinders and let
    it sit for 16.5 hours..

    I'll post back on the results to see if the oil burning stoped. BTW I went
    through about 1 quart every 300-400 miles on a 91 Saturn SL2 1.9L DOHC
    roughly 122,000 miles on it.
     
    Joe Biadasz, Nov 9, 2003
    #12
  13. mr_mahoney

    Joe Biadasz Guest

    Well after a nice drive to clean everything out I stomped on the gas and
    sure enough still the smoke... so it seesm It didnt work for me.
     
    Joe Biadasz, Nov 9, 2003
    #13
  14. Mine started in the 30k range and was rebuilt at 44k. I'd say you've
    avoided the problem - keep doing what you're doing...
     
    Jonnie Santos, Nov 9, 2003
    #14
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