If you notice that you’re topping off the oil in your engine more often than normal, then something has likely gone wrong. Your engine should always use about the same amount of oil without a dramatic change. If that’s not the case, then suspect a leak or worse.
How can you fix a car engine that loses oil?
With help from #savagescotty, it’s easy to track down the problem and fix it.
You just have to:
- See if it’s leaking out
- Track down the source
- Replace the gaskets or leaking parts
- Check a few more important items
As with all car problems, there’s a bit more to it than that. Thankfully, mechanic Scotty Kilmer is down to show you just what steps to complete to fix a car engine that loses oil. Here’s what you need to know.
Does the Oil Burn up or Leak out?
Kilmer points out that engines either leak oil or burn it up. Since it’s tough to see if your car is burning oil, you should check for leaks before jumping to conclusions.
If you have to add a quart of oil from time to time, you should easily find evidence of a leak. The oil will leak out all over the bottom of the engine, leaving wet spots that are easy to notice. You will also find big puddles of oil on the ground where you park your car.
As you search around, if you don’t find signs of an oil leak, you can assume it’s burning it instead — not great news since it likely means your engine internals are wearing out. You could get lucky, however, and find that your PCV valve is on the fritz.
If it’s a Leak, Follow these Steps
If you do find signs of a leak, move through these steps to pinpoint the source. By following Scotty’s lead, you can avoid wasting time cleaning off your engine and watching for the oil to leak out.
1. Pour UV Dye into the Oil
Kilmer urges you to skip right to the chase by pouring UV dye into your engine. Since it’s an oil leak you’re tracking down, pour it into the fill hole on the valve cover. A little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy with it. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.
2. Use a UV Light to See the Dye
To see the dye light up like magic, you’ll need yellow sunglasses and a UV leak detector light. Then, look around your engine for the telltale green glow that shows you just where the oil is leaking out.
3. Replace the Gaskets or Leaking Parts
Once you find the source of the leak, you can replace the gasket or seal in that area to seal it back up.
In rare cases, you may need to replace a part or two as well to fully resolve the problem.
Otherwise, Check and Replace the PCV Valve
If the UV test doesn’t reveal a leak, turn your attention to your PCV valve. If it’s clogged and stuck open, it will suck oil into the engine and burn it up.
Kilmer points out that these valves are only a couple bucks and well worth replacing for peace of mind alone. You can replace them a couple of times a year and that’ll keep them from having a chance to get clogged in the first place.
Look at the Integrity of the Spark Plugs
If replacing the PCV valve doesn’t resolve the problem, then pull a spark plug to confirm your worst fears. Examine the end of the plug to look at the condition of its contact points.
Any sign of burning or oil saturation? You can bet that your engine internals are on their way out. At that point, it’s time for a rebuild with new piston rings, valves, and much more.
Use Lucas Oil Stabilizer to Buy More Time
To buy yourself a bit more time before doing that rebuild or buying another car, get a big jug of Lucas Oil Stabilizer. Put a quart in the next time your engine needs a top-off or while filling up your engine after an oil change.
With that move, the stabilizer will help prevent your car from burning so much oil. You might get a couple more years out of your engine by using this product regularly.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Engine Wear in the Long Run
If you commit to regular maintenance, it’s possible to slow down the wear of parts inside your engine. You can get that work done by your mechanic or even do it on your own if you feel comfortable.
Either way, put those records with your Vehicle History reports to keep track of all the work done to your car.
