Focus using oil

Zaphan58 · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:14

Ok so I have a 2007 Focus with 74k on the clock. Engine is a 1.8 duratec petrol.

Recently I've noticed it's started getting through a fair bit of oil. Last 100ish miles it's used about 1/2 a litre.

I can't see any oil leaking anywhere, my old man had a look underneath and said it was bone dry. No noticeable oil on top either. There's no smoke coming out the exhaust.

Ideas? I have read if it was burning oil it may not necessarily emit blue smoke.

ci_newman · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:18

Has it definitely used that much oil? Have you measured the oil levels under the same circumstances, e.g. engine hot but left standing for 10-15mins for the oil to drain?

If the levels really are dropping that much, and it definitely isn't leaking, then the only other place it can go is burning it.

Rilot · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:21

Open the coolant bottle and check for mayo. Could be leaking in to the coolant. Any mayo on the oil filler cap?

Zaphan58 · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:23

I think so. Noticed it was low the other week at work so topped it up. Checked it a few days later in the car park at work lunch time and it had gone down. Checked it again this lunch time and it's at the minimum level again.

Zaphan58 · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:24

Rilot said:
Open the coolant bottle and check for mayo. Could be leaking in to the coolant. Any mayo on the oil filler cap?

No traces in the coolant or oil filler cap. All look perfectly normal.

Armageus · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:26

If you have ruled out the above, then a quick google of duratec 1.8 oil usages suggests it is either Piston rings, but based on age/mileage probably more likely to be PCV valve/hoses. Does the car idle ok, or is it slightly erratic? If so would suggest PCV related issue.

(Different marque/car entirely, but on my Audi A3 it used no end of oil which was later cured with a new PCV valve)

Zaphan58 · 27 Mar 2017 at 13:33

Armageus said:
If you have ruled out the above, then a quick google of duratec 1.8 oil usages suggests it is either Piston rings, but based on age/mileage probably more likely to be PCV valve/hoses. Does the car idle ok, or is it slightly erratic? If so would suggest PCV related issue.

(Different marque/car entirely, but on my Audi A3 it used no end of oil which was later cured with a new PCV valve)

Yes idles totally fine. No noises or anything from the engine either. It sounds quiet and smooth as it always has. Hope it isn't the rings! It has a full service history and not that many miles so let's hope not. Thanks for the suggestion I will research the pcv valve.

Zaphan58 · 28 Mar 2017 at 10:57

Right, going to replace the PCV and inspect the hose. Looks simple enough and cheap to do. Will see if that cures it, if not I'll have to take it to a garage and see what they say.