Increased oil consumption at ~65K miles?

Originally Posted by Misnomer

(I hope this same question hasn't come up recently; I did a search and found nothing, but it could be hidden in a thread with an unrelated topic)

I just spent $$$ having the oil gaskets replaced on my 2010 (my DD, but with only 66,000 miles). I am very, very lucky that I was able to get her fixed up before any engine damage occurred.

The guy at the shop (not dealership) told me that low oil levels are what led to the gaskets basically disintegrating, and that Zs start using more oil at around 65,000 miles. That last bit was news to me. I bought my car used in 2013, and for the past six years I haven't needed to check the oil between changes...or, at least, I thought I didn't. Now I will start checking it every 2,500 miles or so. The guy also recommended adding a cleaner called MOA at subsequent oil changes.

I'm probably a dumbass for never checking my dipstick between oil changes, but it is really a thing that our cars suddenly start using more oil at ~65K miles??

And what about MOA: worth the $25 each time?


(I had an RX-8 two cars ago, and am not thrilled about the idea/discovery of having another oil-eater...but, I ♥ my Z and will do what I can to keep her healthy for as long as possible.)

Originally Posted by Quicksilvers

You should lessen your mileage on your oil change intervals and begin using a thicker weight motor oil.

Originally Posted by vtec to vvel

Not normal for any car to burn so much oil suddenly.

Originally Posted by elhombre

how did they know that the galley gaskets were failing?

Originally Posted by Misnomer

I will start doing these. When the guy at the shop recommended the MOA he said he didn't want to go so far as to recommend that I start using Mobile 1, but I think I just might. Makes for expensive oil changes, but cheaper than a new engine/car.



Yep; in moderate weather I'd keep an extra quart or two in my tiny trunk.



It just didn't sound right when he said that oil consumption increases dramatically around 65,000 miles. I mean, why would it?



The oil pressure light started flickering last month. At first I misunderstood the light and thought it was for the oil level, so I got an early oil change, but the light kept flickering from time to time so I finally checked the manual and searched here and realized it was the pressure. I got it to the shop immediately. They hoped it was just the sensor, but discovered it was the gaskets.

Originally Posted by Misnomer

he said he didn't want to go so far as to recommend that I start using Mobile 1, but I think I just might. Makes for expensive oil changes, but cheaper than a new engine/car.

Originally Posted by BettyZ

Umm... definitely get a used oil analysis.

Originally Posted by JARblue

Hopefully you were just idling in the parking lot or something like that and not on the highway when the light came on.

Originally Posted by JARblue

It doesn't have to be expensive. An oil change with Mobil 1 provided by a shop is often upwards of $90