Oil Consumption - Diesel Forum

John Sugrue · 11-27-2001, 07:28 PM

I have slightly over 10k on the X and whenever I drive long distances I seem to be adding oil. Recently drove 400 miles and had to add 2 qts. I have a 97 F350 PSD with over 90k and never have to add oil between changes. [img]graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

PSDinOKC · 11-27-2001, 08:51 PM

Are you losing it anywhere (smoke, small leaks, etc...)? I have 44k on my 2000 and use no oil. I know the turbo will use some (I have heard) but I have never noticed any loss in mine.

Matt

DieselDon · 11-27-2001, 10:24 PM

I assume that since you have driven a PSD before that you know that you have to check the oil hot after about a 10 minute drain time. The dipsticks are calibrated for hot oil. If you are doing this, the consumption is definitely excessive.

I guess I would check for the proper dipstick at the next oil change ( check full mark after changing oil, warming it up, and letting it drain down ).

Let your dealer know so the situation is on record. Keep records of mileage and when you added oil.

Any leaks of blue/white smoke?

erlong · 11-28-2001, 02:52 AM

Known leaks on my '00 (fixed by Ford under warranty) were oil leak from the turbo pedestal (look below the turbo, if there's any oil, get it fixed) and a leaking rear main.

The X is in the shop because the "new" rear main seal "must have failed" after only being installed for 1.5 weeks. These were the dealership's words. This tells me that it was ammature hour in the shop the day I had the X worked on. The mechanic working on my truck now is the guy who handles all of their heavy duty trucks, so he knows about the Powerstroke and will "get it done right this time." Again, words from the dealer.

Why can't they just fix it right the first time. The rear main seal is a rather important part to screw up.

Outside of this, I've never had any oil consumption problems at all. If there are no signs of leaks, inform the dealer...it's definitely not normal! [img]graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

John Sugrue · 11-28-2001, 06:56 PM

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I see no sign of any leaks, no oil on the ground either. I will start checking it hot. On the 94-97 forum they say check them cold first thing before running for an accurate measure. I do notice some major smoking if I punch it when passing but otherwise no smoke.
My fuel economy varies from 19 - 21 on the open road at 70 - 75 mph.

Hey Matt, I'm moving to the OKC area in January. Who's good for service in the Yukon area? Thanks again!

rvassar · 11-28-2001, 08:17 PM

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by John Sugrue:
I do notice some major smoking if I punch it when passing but otherwise no smoke.
<hr></blockquote>

John,

Just for comparison, our X never smokes. Not even at WOT. Could be california smog tuning I guess. But I can honestly say I've never seen so much as a puff.

Now my old 6.9l.... [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

Cheers,

Rob

BillPSD · 11-29-2001, 12:37 AM

JOHN, here is an excerpt from my one of my old posts where I lemoned my 2000 X . I gave my 2000 X back to the dealer for a 2001 because of poor gas mileage and what I believed to be an oil consumption problem. They could never figure out the problem. I really pushed them on the oil issue as they thumb thier nose if you complain about mileage. I would get about 16 to 17 mpg on the highway trips from Atlanta GA to the panhandle of FL at 70-75 mph, but if I put a small motorcycle single axle trailer behind the X, the mileage would drop to 12.
After having a 2000 250 Crew Cab that got 17.5 highway and 16 with the the same trailer I new there was a problem. After being relentless on my dealer, they put me in a 2001 X and I now average 18.6 mpg without the trailer and 16.9 with the trailer. Just for fun, two weeks ago on my way back from Florida after topping off the tank, I never went over 65 mph. I refilled the tank and used 16 and 7 tenths of a gallon for the 370 mile trip. The computer said I got 22.8 mpg, but my actual was about 22.1 mpg. I believe as someone mentioned above that each truck has a sweet spot in its power curve and mine is about 1700 to 1800 rpm. I also think that the average mechanic working on these PSD's are not trained properly to identify fuel problems. My thoughts here are that if starts out bad it will only get worse, and if it starts out good it can only improve as it breaks in.

Chuck Saporito · 11-29-2001, 02:06 AM

Hi John,

My 96 F250 consumed oil from the day it was built 'till now with 150,000 miles on it during extended high speed runs (80mph+), but around town oil consumption is not so bad. The engine has always run great, with plenty of smoke only at WOT. It's too early to tell but so far in 2000mi my 02 X hasn't used a drop, I also haven't done much high speed highway driving with it.