So,
I had to take my truck into the shop because of a persistent leak that ended up causing my track bar to fail. Luckily the track bar was under warranty from the last time I had my truck aligned. The guy at the shop, though, said it failed because of a fluid leak, he didn't know which one because the truck was too dirty to tell.

I assumed it was engine oil because I periodically have to top this off, maybe 2-3 quarts per oil change (~5-6,000 miles).

The shop I took it to said my power steering pump is leaking, and there is no engine oil leak, but I just replaced the PS pump 2 years ago. The PS pump is leaking (although the guy at the shop overfilled it which I wonder if that's why it's leaking in the first place), but he said no engine oil leak. When I asked him about my periodic fill ups his response to my question is (paraphrased): "Oil that goes into diesels is only about 4 oz of oil per quart. The rest is additives that become volatile and evaporate off. So, if you go 5,000 miles per oil change, you can "burn" 1-1.5 gallons of oil."

That seems a little far fetched for me. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks!

 

I think your mechanic has no idea what hes talking about. You shouldnt have to add any oil. I have a 93 cummins and it doesnt burn any oil. If its burning oil then something else is wrong, either its leaking or piston rings are shot.

 

so you're the one that bought Marks truck!

still can't believe he sold that beautiful rig.

did he ever fix the leaking injector line before selling it?

@ OP: is it a 12v or 24v?

the 24v's are known for leaking oil out of the PCV on the front of the timing cover.

the 12v's are known for leaking oil out of the tappet cover on the drivers side of the engine which just happens to be right next to the PS pump...

also valve seals can go out in these things causing them to burn some oil and possible raise crank case pressures.

 

lol yeah. And I guess so cause they dont leak

 

It's a 12v.

That sounds like a good spot to have someone check. Thanks.

 

Vacuum pumps tend to leak too.

I do 5000 mile oil change intervals and with my leaky vacuum pump I have to add about a quart every oil change. Either you've got an oil leak, or your engine is unhealthy.