Excessive oil consumption?

Originally Posted by 6MT

You're thinking along the correct lines. All of these "problems" are not really problems. They are perfectly normal with a new engine. Piston rings need to "seat" (or break-in), machined surfaces need to "burnish" (or glaze), and other factors lead to excessive oil consumption. BUT, this is normal to new engines. After the normal break-in period, and well beyond that in most cases, this oil consumption issue will not continue.

Again, this is not a problem. Unless there are some other mitigating circumstances causing oil consumption. (Usually covered under warranty.)

Originally Posted by Hi-Step'n370Z

This may suggest that if someone is having an unusual oil problem, after the break in period, when they do the first oil change, they should stay with the Ester oil, and really drive the Z to help what 6MT described happen in the engine, then go with the better lubricating synthetic.

Originally Posted by Modshack

Remember also, that the 1200 mile break-in is just a recommended number to get everything working well together. Gears, differential etc. Many motors take well more than that to truly beak-in and stop using oil. 5, 10, even 15K is not unusual in some cases..

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

The only vehicle I have heard of that stopped using oil 5K miles or later in life was a BMW motorcycle with their crazy hard rings/walls. If the car is still using after 1200 miles I would suspect an issue.

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

It's pretty common with modern tolerances.

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

That has not been my (albeit limited) experience. Then, I have only owned one BRAND NEW car, so I am at a bit of a loss there.

What exactly do you claim is going to change in that engine that has not already changed at 1200 miles that will prevent further oil burning?

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

on the S, there were guys that saw oil consumption for the first 7k, then went on and have 150k+ with no issues.

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

That has not been my (albeit limited) experience. Then, I have only owned one BRAND NEW car, so I am at a bit of a loss there.

What exactly do you claim is going to change in that engine that has not already changed at 1200 miles that will prevent further oil burning?

Originally Posted by 6MT

Your problem is patience. Give it 5k miles and you'll see (and I'm 100% sure, unless you oil starve the engine) oil consumption will no longer be this "issue" you are concerned about.

And NO, I'm not being sarcastic or trying to pick a fight. Flame me if you want, but the majority, 99.99%, of all oil consumption "issues" are not problems but normal usage because of ring seating.

Again.... if you missed that.... give it some more time!