2000 Saturn SL1 130,000
Losing oil.
Dry as a bone at every gasket seal and underneath.
Does not smoke and the plugs are pristine.

Was using Penzoil 5w30 and it would "lose" a quart every
500-750 miles.

Dealer suggested going to straight 30w with the understanding
longer warmup times and slower accelleration in cold weather
during warmup would be needed. No problem there. We live in
Houston.

We went to 30w and it is still "losing oil" First look after switching
is 1/4 qt lost after only 300 miles.

If it is not leaking then and it is not burning it then it could be
evaporating into the atmosphere. Faulty emmision control
device possibly?

Or perhaps the high energy ignition system is hot enough to
burn oil without fouling the plugs?

I realize with 130k on it burning oil could be or should be normal
but this car had incredible records...Carfax reported frequent
oil changes and we found out all the miles were highway and
the gentlemen pampered the car. It was so clean I was amazed.
I think losing a quart in only 500 miles is too much even for a high mileage car.

Any feedback or ideas is greatly appreciated. This car looks
really runs great for a SOHC but it's a pain in the buttocks
to have to add oil to it every other day because it racks up
600 miles per week. I am a stickler for keeping oil topped off
at all times and my daughter, well, she once tried to add oil
to the car through the DIPSTICK TUBE! She said it took
FOREVER. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my chair.

Regards,

KLoyless@Swbell.Net

I am eager to hear responses to this thread as well. I have a 1998 SL2 with 75K miles, that is similarly losing oil without a trace.

One question for you though. Have you changed the PCV valve? I changed mine this morning and topped it off. Will let you know if it makes a difference.

Mine does the same thing. The valves are burning the oil, but at a rate that you cannot teel visibly very easily. Try to go to Valvoline 20-50. Heavy grade, but in Houston I wouldn't worry.

i use 10w40, & i have never had a problem. you could try that, but make sure it's not synthetic. if ur using synthetic oil, that could be your problem.