using oil

[moosey13]

hey everyone, new to this forum but not to Windstar problems. My problem is with a 98 Windstar, it seem's to be using oil, evidence points out it is burning it, since I have found no signs of a leak. I was wondering if it is normal for a engine (3.8) to use a little oil between changes. I change oil every 2500 to 3000 mi. It seems to use a 1/2 or up to a full quart between changes. Any help would be great, thanks.

Moosey

[garync1]

Never had a problem with my 2000 useing oil.. It has over 80,000 miles
Try switching to a synthetic to see if that works any better. A 1/2 ouart seems like a little much for 2500 to 3000 miles. Its not hurting anything..If it get that low... If it has alot miles it not uncommon.

[12Ounce]

Also make sure you are not overfilling. Only put in 5 qts. The dipstick can mislead a person.

[moosey13]

Originally Posted by moosey13

hey everyone, new to this forum but not to Windstar problems. My problem is with a 98 Windstar, it seem's to be using oil, evidence points out it is burning it, since I have found no signs of a leak. I was wondering if it is normal for a engine (3.8) to use a little oil between changes. I change oil every 2500 to 3000 mi. It seems to use a 1/2 or up to a full quart between changes. Any help would be great, thanks.

Moosey

It only has 67000 miles on it so it's not the high mileage issue. I've also tried the synthetic oil with results being the same.

thanks

[cougarman]

I used to work at a Ford dealer. We were always told it is not a problem
unless it uses more than 1 litre every 1500 kms. which is very excessive.
Todays engines run alot hotter than the old days to help fuel economy.
Your usage sounds acceptable considering what it would cost you to improve the situation v.s the price of a quart of oil once in a while.

Check the pcv valve, make sure it is a Ford/motorcraft one. Some of the aftermarket ones have a bigger orifice causing higher oil consumption.
You can also check the spark plugs for oil/carbon fouling. If they are clean, there is no reason to go any further that I can see..

Good Luck

[homeguy]

I was told by my mechanic that it is pretty normal for the 98 winstar to use 1/2 or 1 litre between oil changes...every 5000 kms.