Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Oil Consumption, Measure – General

General

The term "oil consumption" of an internal combustion engine refers to the amount of oil which is used as a consequence of combustion. Oil consumption should under no circumstances be confused with oil loss caused by leaks in the oil pan, cylinder head cover, etc.

The task of the engine oil is to:

These duties necessitate the consumption of a certain amount of oil, i.e. the expectations of many who claim that further development of the internal combustion engine will lead to an engine that does not consume oil are absolutely nonsensical. The oil consumption is however influenced by certain external operating factors, driving style and manufacturing tolerances. Under normal circumstances however, the consumption is so minimal that between the specified oil change intervals none, or only a small amount of topping up is necessary. Topping up is however absolutely necessary if the oil level sinks below the "MIN" mark on the oil dipstick. Likewise, ensure that the oil level does not exceed the upper "MAX" mark on the oil dipstick, which leads to increased oil consumption.

As oil consumption is a technical necessity, indications that an engine is not consuming oil mean that it is reasonable to conclude that the oil is being diluted by particular operating conditions. Frequent cold starts, driving when over-cold, etc., lead to the oil returning to the oil pan conducting fuel particles and condensation, and thus becoming "diluted"; this can lead to the incorrect supposition that the engine is not consuming any oil at all.

Oil diluted in this fashion lacks lubricating power and may lead to engine damage if the specified oil change intervals are not observed. The main causes for oil dilution are driving in mainly urban traffic and frequent driving at insufficient engine rpm when the engine is cold.

The oil consumption first begins to stabilise after operating for a few thousand kilometres; therefore, measurements of the oil consumption only become realistic after about 7500 km / 4000 miles. Before measuring the oil consumption, ensure that the engine is not losing oil due to leaks.

Note:   The oil dipstick can only be used for checking and not for measurement. The engine must always be switched off for at least 2 minutes before the oil level can be checked. If, after an oil change, the maximum engine oil filling does not match the maximum level mark on the dipstick, this can be attributed to manufacturing tolerances.

All information regarding the permissible engine oil consumption and filling quantities are included in the User's Manual.

Measuring Methods