95 Grand Marquis losing oil?

About 2000 miles after I get an oil change my oil light will start coming on. It doesn't stay on, but it flashes, usually when I'm on the brakes. I don't have any visible leaking, no stains on my driveway. The car doesn't smoke so I don't think it's burning it.

Where is the oil going???

About 2-3 years ago I had a 96' sedan deville and it did this to me. The car eventually blew a head gasket and it wasn't worth fixing.

Could that be what is happening to my car now?

There is no magic for dissapearing oil. It is either leaking it or burning it. With no traces of oil on the motor, it is probably burning it. Don't expect a cloud of freight train smoke. Look for black on the inside of your exhaust pipe or some smoke may be seen by having someone follow you down the road and watch your exhaust.. Whatever the problem is, a light indicates no pressure so you would be wise to keep it topped off before the light comes on.

So if it's burning...how can I get it to STOP burning?

Overhaul the motor. On a cheaper note, sometimes thicker oil helps.

what does overhaul the motor mean? work with me here, im a girl, im tryin to learn :grinyes:


next time I get my oil changed I'll try 5w30 instead of 5w20 and see what happens.

Ford/Mercury states that up to 1 quart of oil consumption in 1000 miles is an acceptable usage. I don't agree with that, but that is their stance. So you amy not have a problem after all. How much oil does it take to top it off? It could be that the sending unit is bad causing the light to flash on. Let us know.

Ford/Mercury states that up to 1 quart of oil consumption in 1000 miles is an acceptable usage. I don't agree with that, but that is their stance. So you amy not have a problem after all. How much oil does it take to top it off? It could be that the sending unit is bad causing the light to flash on. Let us know.


Funny u say 1 quart per 1000 because after 2000 miles its 2 quarts low.


and to HEMIDAZE: I checked the exhaust pipe and there is black sooty stuff in it (kinda like wiping your finger in a fireplace), but a friend of mine said as long as its sooty and not oily, then its not an oil problem. I had someone follow me today and no smoke, EXCEPT when I floor it. Let me know your thoughts on that.

Thanks in advance.

Black sooty stuff would be from burning oil.

Black sooty stuff would be from burning oil.


ok thanks. i still use 5w20 because thats what the owners manual says but im gonna try the thicker oil like u said before first and see how that works before i do anything else.

appreciate it :)

If it was mine I would try 20W50. It would definately help an engine old enough to burn oil. You might also go to your local auto parts store. They sell oil additives specifically for motors that burn oil.

If it was mine I would try 20W50. It would definately help an engine old enough to burn oil. You might also go to your local auto parts store. They sell oil additives specifically for motors that burn oil.


I'll try that. Thanks :)

If it was mine I would try 20W50. It would definately help an engine old enough to burn oil. You might also go to your local auto parts store. They sell oil additives specifically for motors that burn oil.




Hemi, isn't the 20-50w oil way to thick for the fine oil screen in these engines?? I won't go above 10-30 in mine.

I would try the additives but other than that I would fix the REAL problem and not use real heavy weight oil. MB

ok im at a complete loss now

Been 3000 miles and my ALL of the oil was gone. There wasn't anything on the dipstick. I had them look for leaks and there are no leaks. I had them put in 10w30 and see how that works, but I'm doubtful.

Is it possible that all of my oil (5w20) could have burned up that quick???

If it's not burning...could it be leaking somewhere they can't see?

Have you checked or replaced the PCV valve? Possibly it is hung and causing the engine to suck oil vapors and causing the loss of oil. I don't think it would cause that much loss, but it is something worth looking into.

If the oil wasn't changed regularily the drain holes in the heads can plug up this doesn't allow oil to drain back to the block. I've used a small screwdriver and cleaned the holes. Then you will need new valve cover gaskets. The amount of oil you are using smoke should be pouring the exhaust.

If the oil wasn't changed regularily the drain holes in the heads can plug up this doesn't allow oil to drain back to the block. I've used a small screwdriver and cleaned the holes. Then you will need new valve cover gaskets. The amount of oil you are using smoke should be pouring the exhaust.

There is no smoke coming out of the exhaust at all. I've had someone follow me to make sure.

Have you checked or replaced the PCV valve? Possibly it is hung and causing the engine to suck oil vapors and causing the loss of oil. I don't think it would cause that much loss, but it is something worth looking into.

i will def. have that checked out

If the Pcv system is clean I would pull the valve covers and make sure the drain holes are open. You can use a small screwdriver to open them up if plugged.

Sounds like the valve guide seals are leaking(worn) and the oil is being burnt internally.

Check when you first start up for smoke. If this is the case new umbrella seals will help. You have to use compressed air to keep the valves closed when you pull the valve springs to change the seals. Some people pull the plugs put some rope into the cylinder use the piston to close the valves.

The rear main seal is leaking and burning internally.

If the rear main is leaking it is leaking externally and there is no way it could burn it internally.

If the rear main is leaking it is leaking externally and there is no way it could burn it internally.

you are right, excuse my ignorance, i misunderstood what was I was told.

he said that it's dripping really slow and i probably loose most of it while im driving.