2008 Dodge Magnum 3.5 oil consumption

hanz · #1 10-01-2009, 02:02 PM

I have a 2008 dodge magnum 3.5l with 28,000 miles since I bought it with 16,000 miles on it I have noticed that it has been using about one quart of oil every 3,000 miles. I took it to the dealer they could find no leaks and they began a oil consumption test. So far I have travelled 1,400 miles and used 1/2 a quart of oil. While at the dealer for another issue I was told that 1/2 a quart of consumption while not normal was within specs. Does anybody have any info to share on this topic

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L and R Two · #2 10-02-2009, 11:06 AM

I have a Hemi and two 2.7L Chargers. All 3 consume oil like the dealer states. It is going to come down to how hard you drive your car. My Hemi is around a Qt low at change time always because I beat the tar out it. One time, it was almost 2 Qt's low at change time. That was when it was new and I just put on all the aftermarket mods. I now keep an extra bottle of oil in the garage and check it every 2 weeks, just to make sure. My Hemi is my baby.

The key phrase that the dealer is telling you that is "normal driving conditions". Everything else can take a toll on the amount of oil used. If you live in a hilly area, or a hot climate area, your engine will have to work harder to get around or keep cool, thus causing greater oil consumption. Also, even though you have the 3.5, it is probably safe to assume that you like to get on it sometimes. All this plays a factor.

If you baby it real good, not exceeding 55 mph, drive it 3000 miles over 3 months, you probably will not lose/consume any oil (this is normal driving as referenced from the dealer/mfg). But in the real word where the speed limit is for reference and daily driving can put 3000 miles on a car in a month or two, can take a toll on a car.

In the old days, this was pretty much a well known fact about cars and oil consumption. Everyone used to check their oil levels as often as they check their tire pressure. Now alot of us have gotten lazy and don't think about it. I too neglect checking sometimes.

Your car is fine. You have nothing to worry about.

hanz · #3 10-27-2009, 10:49 AM

Thanks l and r two. I checked my oil this morning (2500 miles into an oil change) and the dipstick read about a quart and a half low. I took it to the dealer, they checked it and said it was only a half quart low. I guess I don't know how to check my oil I was checking it when the engine was completley cold they were checking it five minutes after the hot engine was shut off. I guess the theory is if you check the oil when the engine is cold the oil contracts and gives a false low reading. I thought waiting till it was cold would ensure that all the oil had drained into the pan. Any way I drove home and let it sit for five minutes checked it agian and it was only about a half quart low. All this said this is the third newer car I have owned (not counting the junkers I drove as a teenager) and the first I have ever had that used ANY oil its also my first dodge. If I did not absolutely love this car I would be trading it in right now. So that said I guess I'll just keep on driving and watching my dipstick.

46FD04 · #4 11-14-2009, 01:17 AM

Check your PCV valve.

I replaced mine yesterday, and it not installed properly at the factory.

The valve is plastic and screwws into the back of the engine, passenger side, at the top.

I found my PCV had been screwed in only 1/2 way. Having the rubber hose attached with a very tight fit, I don't think it loosened itself due to vibration.

The car has been using oil too. I just did an oil change as well, and we'll see if the oil usage stops.

Good luck.