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anyone elses hemi burn through oil?
Thread Starter
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Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD (right outside DC)
anyone elses hemi burn through oil?
so every oil change, I find I am draining about a quart less than I put in. Its consistent every oil change. Also, I've found I am having to pour oil in every now and then to bring the level and pressure back up to normal. I've never had this with any of my other rams or any other car I've ever owned, including an old chevy nova with a fully built small block.
I'm not leaking anywhere, nothing like that to explain it.
anyone else experiencing this? or should I be looking into something?
I'm not leaking anywhere, nothing like that to explain it.
anyone else experiencing this? or should I be looking into something?
Champion
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,497
Likes: 1
From: MN
Its normal for motors to use some oil. I run through between 1/2 and 3/4 of a quart every 5000 miles. Seemed like normal usage to me on a 7 quart motor. Never had any oil pressure issues, are you actually getting warning lights?
How many miles are you driving and how much oil are you going through? Also what kind of oil are you using?
How many miles are you driving and how much oil are you going through? Also what kind of oil are you using?
Thread Starter
|
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD (right outside DC)
this definitely aint normal.
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
Champion
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,497
Likes: 1
From: MN
this definitely aint normal.
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
Also, what weight oil are you running - 5w20 like the factory says or 0w20?
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
this definitely aint normal.
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
Since switching to valvoline synthetic 5w20, not had a problem since.
I go 5,000 miles between oil changes, have never had to add a drop of oil.
The dip stick is barely off the full mark at every oil change. (less than 1/16inch from the full mark)
I also use the factory oil filters as well. Absolutely no more oil usage issues anymore after i quit using mobil 1..!
I`ve also noticed my oil pressure is slightly higher (62psi) and stays higher alot longer between oil changes since switching to valvoline.
I know i`ll take ALOTTA heat from mobil 1 user`s on here, but thats ok, i`ve seen what the results were between the 2 oil`s.
I`ll stick with valvoline, and by buying it, it will also support our american workers. Mobil 1 cant say that...HA HAAAAA...!!!! (lol)
PS..... and i DID check my oil pressure with a certified oil pressure guage, runs 62psi driving down the highway. (70+ cold psi)
Best oil pressure i ever saw with using mobil 1, was 55psi, and continued to drop off oil pressure as the truck became warmer.
Last edited by LU229; Nov 25, 2011 at 11:58 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD (right outside DC)
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
this definitely aint normal.
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
using mobil 1. changing the oil every 3,000 miles, which I could easily wait till 5, but I've been staying on it to avoid any problems down the road.
no warning lights, just been checking and reading my oil pressure while driving down the road.
While on the highway last night, the oil pressure gauge was reading 48 psi, so its a little low, but I just changed the oil sometime last month.
I find I have to pour like anywhere from a 5th to quarter of a quart every few weeks to keep it running at about 50 psi.
but an entire quart unaccounted for at a 3,000 mile interval, is definitely not normal
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 21
From: South Georgia/East Florida
Agreed, oil pressure reading should in no way influence how much oil you put in your crankcase.
Seven and a half years, full synthetic every 6,000 miles, 52,000 miles on the clock and oil is right at the full line at every oil change so far...
Seven and a half years, full synthetic every 6,000 miles, 52,000 miles on the clock and oil is right at the full line at every oil change so far...
Professional
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
A small amount of oil consumption is normal. From your post it sounds like you are going through one quart between oil changes...what is your average oil change interval?
A lot of factors affect oil consumption. Ambient temperature, towing, high speed driving, manufacturing tolerances vary slightly between engines, etc.
It is important to check your oil level under the same conditions: Engine at operating temperature, truck level, and let the truck sit for 5 minutes before checking the level.
Presumably you are using the recommended 5w/20 oil. Synthetic or conventional? Whatever oil you are using, I would check manufacturer's data sheet and see what the viscosity is at operating temperature. Even though oils from different manufacturer's are all classified as 5w/20 you will see that the viscosity at operating temperature will be higher in some oils than others. For example, I noticed a small amount of oil consumption using Pennzoil Platinum 5w/20 full synthetic, but switched to Mobil 1 5w/20 for my next oil change and haven't noticed any consumption so far. The Mobil 1 has a higher viscosity at operating temperature than Pennzoil Platinum so that may account for the difference. In your case, I would check a few 5w/20 oils on line and try one with a higher viscosity rating at operating temperature. Bottom line: even though the oils are all rated within the same range, some oils are "thicker" than others.
The other thing I would try, is not to maintain the oil right at the full mark, but maintain it mid-way between the full and add mark. Some engines may use a bit of oil when it is right at the full mark, but once the level is mid-way between add and full no further consumption. I know this was recommended on some Cadillac Northstar engines which were notorious oil burners. As long as you maintain the oil level above the add mark you are fine, especially with an engine that holds 7 quarts.
A lot of factors affect oil consumption. Ambient temperature, towing, high speed driving, manufacturing tolerances vary slightly between engines, etc.
It is important to check your oil level under the same conditions: Engine at operating temperature, truck level, and let the truck sit for 5 minutes before checking the level.
Presumably you are using the recommended 5w/20 oil. Synthetic or conventional? Whatever oil you are using, I would check manufacturer's data sheet and see what the viscosity is at operating temperature. Even though oils from different manufacturer's are all classified as 5w/20 you will see that the viscosity at operating temperature will be higher in some oils than others. For example, I noticed a small amount of oil consumption using Pennzoil Platinum 5w/20 full synthetic, but switched to Mobil 1 5w/20 for my next oil change and haven't noticed any consumption so far. The Mobil 1 has a higher viscosity at operating temperature than Pennzoil Platinum so that may account for the difference. In your case, I would check a few 5w/20 oils on line and try one with a higher viscosity rating at operating temperature. Bottom line: even though the oils are all rated within the same range, some oils are "thicker" than others.
The other thing I would try, is not to maintain the oil right at the full mark, but maintain it mid-way between the full and add mark. Some engines may use a bit of oil when it is right at the full mark, but once the level is mid-way between add and full no further consumption. I know this was recommended on some Cadillac Northstar engines which were notorious oil burners. As long as you maintain the oil level above the add mark you are fine, especially with an engine that holds 7 quarts.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
A small amount of oil consumption is normal. From your post it sounds like you are going through one quart between oil changes...what is your average oil change interval?
A lot of factors affect oil consumption. Ambient temperature, towing, high speed driving, manufacturing tolerances vary slightly between engines, etc.
It is important to check your oil level under the same conditions: Engine at operating temperature, truck level, and let the truck sit for 5 minutes before checking the level.
Presumably you are using the recommended 5w/20 oil. Synthetic or conventional? Whatever oil you are using, I would check manufacturer's data sheet and see what the viscosity is at operating temperature. Even though oils from different manufacturer's are all classified as 5w/20 you will see that the viscosity at operating temperature will be higher in some oils than others. For example, I noticed a small amount of oil consumption using Pennzoil Platinum 5w/20 full synthetic, but switched to Mobil 1 5w/20 for my next oil change and haven't noticed any consumption so far. The Mobil 1 has a higher viscosity at operating temperature than Pennzoil Platinum so that may account for the difference. In your case, I would check a few 5w/20 oils on line and try one with a higher viscosity rating at operating temperature. Bottom line: even though the oils are all rated within the same range, some oils are "thicker" than others.
The other thing I would try, is not to maintain the oil right at the full mark, but maintain it mid-way between the full and add mark. Some engines may use a bit of oil when it is right at the full mark, but once the level is mid-way between add and full no further consumption. I know this was recommended on some Cadillac Northstar engines which were notorious oil burners. As long as you maintain the oil level above the add mark you are fine, especially with an engine that holds 7 quarts.
A lot of factors affect oil consumption. Ambient temperature, towing, high speed driving, manufacturing tolerances vary slightly between engines, etc.
It is important to check your oil level under the same conditions: Engine at operating temperature, truck level, and let the truck sit for 5 minutes before checking the level.
Presumably you are using the recommended 5w/20 oil. Synthetic or conventional? Whatever oil you are using, I would check manufacturer's data sheet and see what the viscosity is at operating temperature. Even though oils from different manufacturer's are all classified as 5w/20 you will see that the viscosity at operating temperature will be higher in some oils than others. For example, I noticed a small amount of oil consumption using Pennzoil Platinum 5w/20 full synthetic, but switched to Mobil 1 5w/20 for my next oil change and haven't noticed any consumption so far. The Mobil 1 has a higher viscosity at operating temperature than Pennzoil Platinum so that may account for the difference. In your case, I would check a few 5w/20 oils on line and try one with a higher viscosity rating at operating temperature. Bottom line: even though the oils are all rated within the same range, some oils are "thicker" than others.
The other thing I would try, is not to maintain the oil right at the full mark, but maintain it mid-way between the full and add mark. Some engines may use a bit of oil when it is right at the full mark, but once the level is mid-way between add and full no further consumption. I know this was recommended on some Cadillac Northstar engines which were notorious oil burners. As long as you maintain the oil level above the add mark you are fine, especially with an engine that holds 7 quarts.