3 months = 1 quart
 

Been about 1,200 miles and roughly 3 months since I did an oil change. I am using 15W50 Mobil 1 fully synthetic. I had it roughly at Full reading on the dip stick when I did it. So now 3 months later, it went down to below the minimum so I had to add another bottle of oil. Now, should I be concerned? Or this isn't that bad?

Thanks in advance,

First, I would be using a different weight of oil. I think 50 is a little much unless you are in Death Valley during the summer. I would be using 10/30 or so for an all around weight. Do you have a leak somewhere? For only 1,200 miles, 1 qt low is a little more than I would expect. Especially with synthetic oil which is good for longer and should not break down as fast. :o

15W50 was recommended by OT, heavier viscosity of the oil protects the engine better. I do think I have a leak somewhere, not exactly sure where, but will probably find out this upcoming weekend (i hope). I am just trying to figure out if this leak is something to worry about, or not...

Oil weight is fine then, but the main question is -- do you have a leak or are you burning it? If it is a leak, the bigger it is, the more you will loose. :)

I hope you have a leak rather than burning...

Pay attention from your rear mirror...if you're burning, when your engine works hard or you push it hard, you would see some smoke from your tail pipe...

Unless you have over 200k on the motor (which would point toward burning oil) my $$ is on leaking valve covers or front timing belt covers...
-Bill

being a regular reader of OT, I must recommend not taking vital engine advice from OT.

no reason for oil that heavy in your car in virginia.
check for leaks - as was said, more than likely you are losing it out the valve covers or front main seal/cam seals.
I'd go back to 10w30 at the next change.

Why do you say that??

Tom

Lost in translation?????

For Sovi3t and most of us, OT = Old Tom = SVXfiles = wonderful source of SVX knowledge and advice
For Immortal OT and other Nasiocers = Off Topic = source of time killing

That's just my guess?????

I thought so too... Just wanted to be sure... Old Tom really knows his stuff and I agree, I use 15/50 mobil 1 when they have it

Tom

Sovi3t asked what oil I use in my personal SVX.
I use Mobile1 15W-50 oil.
I dragrace, autocross, and drive her pretty hard.

The viscosity of the oil is dependant on engine heat.
During startup is when most of engine wear occurs.
Synthetics were developed to flow well in very cold conditions.

When the engine is cold it's 15W, and flows well,
and when fully hot it flows as a 50W, giving maxium protection.
Sov13t has a manual transmission, and I believe LAN's chip.
He plans to dragrace his car.
He could see 7000+ rpm.
I would not want to spin a 13 (or 15) year old engine that fast on 10w-30.
Will a lower weight oil get better gas mileage, sure, but who cares!
He spent thousands of dollars installing a six speed trans in it, not to lower the cruising rpm, but to have fun!
Would I put 15W-50 in my dads Outback, nope.
I put in 10W-40 Mobile1.:)
Here is Mobile1s link.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...1_15W-50_.aspx

lol - yes I thought he meant nasioc OT.

No offense to Old Tom at all - he is the man! Reading the explanation that he is going to be working that motor pretty hard then 50 weight makes sense.

Boy am I glad I did not respond with
"Immortal_suby you poopiehead!!!":eek:
Thanks guys!:D
I was taken aback when I first read it!:eek: :eek:

It is a little scary to me when Old Tom makes sence. :eek: :eek: :rolleyes: :p :p

What I didn't get is why he never checked his oil once in those 3 months??? :confused: