Should I be consuming this much oil?

[calh4289]

I bought my 99 996 last year as a CPO. I have read a lot about oil leaks but not as much about oil consumption... My car seems to "burn" about .75 qt per 1000miles. I have never seen a leak from the car, but I do see oil in the exhaust puddle when i warm the car up in the mornings. I also see a minor film of oily crap from the exhaust on the rear bumper after a good drive when I wash the car off. Does anyone else have this problem? Should I get it checked out since I am under warranty?

Thanks

Jarrod

[Dr. Carrera]

You should definitely get it checked out ! These cars are not supposed to consume oil at all. I can tell you that my '99 996 with close to 100.000 km on the counter does not consume a drip of oil, not even during track-days at Spa where we push really hard.

Edited April 16, 2005 by Dr. Carrera

[LVDell]

My car is a 2000 996 and hasn't consumed a drop since day one. I have the oil changed every 5-7.5K miles and have never had to add b/t changed.

Honestly? You need to get it checked out. It could be very simple.

[1999Porsche911]

Contrary to many on this board, oil consumption is not normal for these engines or any engine. It is an indication that either PCV valve is bad, rings are bad or a problem with the valves. However, it appears that burning oil at the rate you state is common for some flat sixes.

I burn absolutely no oil nor do any of the other p-car owners I hang with. Will your oil burning hurt the engine - no, as long as keep refilling the crank case. Can it be fixed - probably not without rebuilding the engine (if it is caused by valves or rings).

I believe much of the oil burning is caused by improper beak in. Below is what I follow for every car I have ever owned and none of the cars have ever burned oil. Even my 180,000 plus mile Honda Accord.

Proper breakin must be done in the first 100 -200 miles and below is the proper procedure:

1. Always bring engine to FULL operating temperature before high revs.

2. Drive the car easy for the first 10 miles or so, varying the rpm's from 2,000 - 5,000.

3. Then, start bringing the engine up to maximum rpm's and letting the engine bring the revs back down by coasting in gear.

4. Repeat several times in order to create maximum heat in the cylinders.

5. Drive around at lower RPM's for several more miles, remembering to vary the speed of the engine every couple of miles.

6. Repeat number 3, 4 and 5.

7. Park car and let the engine cool down overnight.

8. Repeat all the above 2 more times.

Your engine is now fully broken in correctly and can be driven hard from here on.

JMO and experience.

[ar38070]

Contrary to many on this board, oil consumption is not normal for these engines or any engine.  It is an indication that either PCV valve is bad, rings are bad or a problem with the valves.  However, it appears that burning oil at the rate you state is common for some flat sixes.

I burn absolutely no oil nor do any of the other p-car owners I hang with.  Will your oil burning hurt the engine - no, as long as keep refilling the crank case.  Can it be fixed - probably not without rebuilding the engine (if it is caused by valves or rings).

I believe much of the oil burning is caused by improper beak in.  Below is what I follow for every car I have ever owned and none of the cars have ever burned oil.  Even my 180,000 plus mile Honda Accord.

Proper breakin must be done in the first 100 -200 miles and below is the proper procedure:

1. Always bring engine to FULL operating temperature before high revs.

2. Drive the car easy for the first 10 miles or so, varying the rpm's from 2,000 - 5,000.

3. Then, start bringing the engine up to maximum rpm's and letting the engine bring the revs back down by coasting in gear.

4. Repeat several times in order to create maximum heat in the cylinders.

5. Drive around at lower RPM's for several more miles, remembering to vary the speed of the engine every couple of miles.

6. Repeat number 3, 4 and 5.

7. Park car and let the engine cool down overnight.

8. Repeat all the above 2 more times.

Your engine is now fully broken in correctly and can be driven hard from here on.

JMO and experience.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This was discussed ad nauseum before. There are several schools of thought on break in. The above and similar procedures and what the manufacturer recommends (1-2K miles under 4200rpm, no driving at constant rpm for extended periods).

As I posted last week, Car and Driver (granted this is not most authoritative source) in a long term review of a Mitsu Evo. stated that the manufacturer's recommended break (600 miles of babying) resulted in 40,000 miles of oil burn free use. Also engine performance at 40,000 miles was nearly identical. They also stated that they have had communication from owners who did not follow the manufacturer's break in procedure (these owners ran the motor hard when new) who have to add oil regularly.

To each their own.

[b-man]

You guys have got to be kidding me. I have heard about a lot of 996's that burn oil. 3/4 qt every 1000 miles does not seem too bad. Obviously, it's not as good as burning no oil. But, my 2002 996 has 85,000 miles on it and it burns about 1 qt every 1400 miles. This has been the same since new, regardless of how hard I drive it. I broke it in easy and was concerned at first. But, from what found from others over the years, it was not out of the ordinary.

My previous car (a 1992 VW Golf) burned 1/2 qt every 2,500 miles. This was after an easy break in, and 230,000 very hard miles.

I think a large determinant of how much oil your car burns is just luck of the draw.

b-man

[Lizard1]

I have heard about a lot of 996's that burn oil.  3/4 qt every 1000 miles does not seem too bad.  Obviously, it's not as good as burning no oil.  But, my 2002 996 has 85,000 miles on it.

OMFG! 85K in 3yrs- now that is some driving! WOW!

I agree. Oil burning IS normal for these engines. I add a quart about every 5000 miles and I was worried. My local porsche tech, who is also a friend, explained that all porsches burn oil AND they all leak - just some more than others. He has yet to see one that has not. I explained to him that mine does not leak. He then promptly lifted my car and showed me some seepage - albeit VERY small thank goodness :D

[LVDell]

BTW, breaking it in EASY is not good for the car. You may very well have a leak problem b/c you didn't get the seals heated up properly to form a good seal. Those beginning miles are the most crucial for future oil retention. It is not luck of the draw it usually can be traced back to how you broke it. (except for RMS since it is a manufacture defect and not a seal defect)

[LVDell]

Oh yeah, forgot to add.......WAY TO GO!!!!! 85K in 3 years, I am impressed. Now that is what I call using the car for what it was intended....DRIVING!

[jyoteen]

my car consumes about 1 qt every 1K-1500mi. My VW and Audi both consumed 1qt every 1K miles, and per manufacturer, that is normal.

Although, you gotta wonder that since the oil change is every 11K miles, why do a complete flush as the original changed oil would have completely burned off.

I have no leaks, but I don't baby the car at all.