Oil disappearing into engine?

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Johanna
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Post by Johanna »

Thanks for everyones advice - the oil thing doesn't seem to begetting better but worse though. We went on a very short trip the other day (just around Bristol really, maybe 20 miles) and it seemed to use something between a half and a whole litre of oil. Also, when we started the van yesterday, it was VERY smokey for a long time (light coloured smoke) and spluttered worryingly at first. Is it to be expected that the engine needs a bit of warming up before driving off, or is this a sign that it's on its way out?

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

We haven't really monitored properly how much it uses, but we'll keep an eye on it. I'd say it was something like 1l in 400-500 miles, but I have a feeling it may have been running constantly slightly low during that time so that might be why it used more?

Several things here now Joanna, first up of course, is that these aren't like a modern car where you don't dip the oil regularly, 20~30 years ago it was normal to check the oil weekly, and certainly before any major journey, and before returning. Some vehciles of 60's vintage would burn (from new) a pint of oil every 200~300 miles... a pint every 500 miles isn't 'that' bad though, but should do better.

So know how to do it accurately, always on a level surface and after it's had 5 or 10 minutes to drain back and cool a bit... (unless time is pressing). Carry a rag or garage paper for wiping the dipstick, maybe even some vinyl gloves or nick a load from the diesel pump :wink:

Next up, as you say it's now using a lot around town, it's possible that you have been overfilling it - I know it sounds strange but overfilling can cause a motor to use more oil than when its correct or even low. Simply, it might blow out or get frothed more at high-speed, neither good. Also puts more back-pressure on the turbo drain line on these particular models.

So make sure you dip it accurately when cold and if unsure dip it twice (I know these aren't fun to dip, need two hands often to get the dipstick right in properly) so the end is up against the yellow plastic ferrule of the tube)

If it comes up to just under the max. the leave it, anywheer near minumum put a drop in and re-dip it after a minutes or two. You;ll soon know how much between the two.

But now, seeing as it has almost certainly run very low, you must change the oil and filter completely. It should take exactly 4.5 litres for a full change (inc. filter), see where the oil level comes on the dipstick after re-starting and then allowing to settle with 4.5 litres in it - might not be where it should be, might even have wrong dipstick in it if the engine has been changed (for one of unknown origin?). Then think it through !
Get a good filter, think GSF MAN ones are OK, some are not as good and can reduce oil pressure. Proper VW part will be fine of course too. Use that semi-synth 15W-40 recommended above, must rated for a Turbo Diesel.

It should then settle down, though it's likely your turbo seals might be not perfect, but you'd need an expert to say for sure, fortuntaley such people exist in Bristol :)
Last edited by HarryMann on 12 Mar 2007, 11:08, edited 1 time in total.
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Johanna
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Post by Johanna »

Cool, thanks a lot that sounds helpful. I'll call the garage later today!

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

As long as it a good one :)

the garage I mean, if you can find someone local who runs a trubo-diesel and is a bit handy so much the better.

Don't dismiss the fact that disptick might be calibrated wrong (due to engine swap, original stick might not have been re-used?), so do ask the guy to do that 4.5 litre test and note (and tell you for sure) where the oil came to after running and settling back... Good Luck.

that'll be the test of whether they're really listeneing to you and want to genuinely resolve the issue...

So know how to do it accurately, always on a level surface and after it's had 5 or 10 minutes to drain back and cool a bit...
So at the service station or motorway stop, have your cuppa and use the loo, then check it and top up if necessary, just before you're ready to leave . They can get very hot under that lid, so maybe pop it open a bit for a few minutes if you're sitting there with it :idea:
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