I have a 1994 Citroen Zx 1.4i with 75201 miles on the clock. I recently changed the oil from comma eurolite 10w 40 to Valvoline Maxlife 10w 40 synthtic based oil, which is supposed to reduce oil consumption so it says on the packet. I overfilled the sump by 1 cm on the dipstick by accident a couple of weeks ago. WIth the comma oil a had to put a drop in the sump every 1000 miles or so.
On checking the oil today a noticed that he had gone down to the max mark on the dipstick over 300 to 400 miles period. Is this anything to worry about. Whats sought of oil consuption is acceptable on an engine with 75000 miles on the clock which had been looked after all its life.
Thanks
Jonathan
OIL USAGE ZX1.4i
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jeremy
- Posts: 3959
- Joined: 20 Oct 2002, 16:00
- x 2
As I understand it you have overfilled the engine and are concerned that the level has returned to normal a little quickly?
Overfilling can cause all manner of problems although one cm is not that much. I would suggest that you measure the consumption form the current correct position and see if you have a problem then.
While oil consumption is annoying it is something that doesn't seem to bother manufacturers much as whenever they quote figures they seem quite high (500 miles per pint range).
Over the years I've had a number of cars that had high oil consumption ( and a few with low!) and have used all manner of oils. I can honestly say that none have made the slightest difference to the consumption at all but I keep on hoping that one will!
Incidentally the overfilling problems I mentioned are leaks form some types of seal and frothing and subsequent starvation to name but 2.
jeremy
Overfilling can cause all manner of problems although one cm is not that much. I would suggest that you measure the consumption form the current correct position and see if you have a problem then.
While oil consumption is annoying it is something that doesn't seem to bother manufacturers much as whenever they quote figures they seem quite high (500 miles per pint range).
Over the years I've had a number of cars that had high oil consumption ( and a few with low!) and have used all manner of oils. I can honestly say that none have made the slightest difference to the consumption at all but I keep on hoping that one will!
Incidentally the overfilling problems I mentioned are leaks form some types of seal and frothing and subsequent starvation to name but 2.
jeremy
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DLM
- Posts: 524
- Joined: 13 Aug 2001, 03:01
On the BX technical forum there have been many cases of owners who tried switching to synthetic oil in various XU-engined cars, often with slightly higher mileages than yours. In nearly all cases increased oil consumption has resulted, though sometimes from using slightly different-spec oil. I don't know whether the TU engine will behave similarly.
The only real exception to the rule seems to be where synthetics have been used from early on in the life of the engine: here they tend to give low oil consumption throughout the life of the engine/car, without really great increases at higher mileages.
In conclusion, on an unscientific sample, PSA engines seem to be happiest with good-quality oil of the kind they've been filled with from new, and changes may result in increased oil consumption.
David
The only real exception to the rule seems to be where synthetics have been used from early on in the life of the engine: here they tend to give low oil consumption throughout the life of the engine/car, without really great increases at higher mileages.
In conclusion, on an unscientific sample, PSA engines seem to be happiest with good-quality oil of the kind they've been filled with from new, and changes may result in increased oil consumption.
David
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CITMAN
- Posts: 407
- Joined: 02 Aug 2002, 00:22
THINK I HAVE REALISED WHY THE OIL CONSUMPTION ON ME CAR HAS GONE UP. THE REASON BEING A NOTICED CLOUDS OF BLUE SMOKE WHEN STARTING IT FROM COLD THIS MORNING. SO ITS PROBERLY THE VALVE STEM SEALS THAT HAVE GONE HARD OR GUIDE WEAR EITHER WAY IM NOT CONCERNED TOO MUCH ABOUT IT, JUST HAVE TO KEEP TOPPING THE BLOODY THINK UP WITH OIL EVERY SO OFTEN.