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MY Saturn

Tiny
KENNETHPICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
My 2002 Saturn SL seems to need oil about every 1,400 miles! I get an oil change, and about a month later, the red oil light comes on and does not stop until I bring it to an oil place. They check it, and tell me it's dry! There are NEVER any leaks, or dark smoke, and it runs fine. What could be wrong with the engine?
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 4:32 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
If there are no external leaks, I must be burning oil, it can't go anywhere else, what weight of oil do you use and is it mineral or synthetic?

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 5:31 AM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
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  • 4 POSTS
I figured it must be burning oil. I think it has 10W 30 in it right now, but I am not certain. It is Penzoil, as far as I know. If it's burning oil, regardless of the weight or what not, how can that be prevented? Does it require a complete engine overhaul? I am not so sure the car is worth that.
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
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Try 20-W50 mineral, this will slow the loss done a fair bit, give this a try first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 8:31 AM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
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O.K, I checked the paperwork from the oil place and they put in Chevron 20W-50, as you suggested. However, what if that fails? This problem has been going on for some time. What can be replaced in a car that burns oil to prevent it from happening?
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
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Oil burning will require replacement of valve seals and possibly guides, and piston rings, a leak down test will show the extent of the problem, if the engine is bad, a full over haul will be required.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
KENNETHPICK
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Well, hopefully, it won't come to THAT! I have been reading about some stuff called "Alemite CD 2 for Oil Burning". I think if this current batch of oil only lasts a month (about 1,400 miles), I will find some and put it in! It seems to create seals, and prevent oil burning! I'll see what happens. Thanks for the information you provided.
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
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Just be aware that any additives are just a very temporary fix if they work at all, just use these with caution.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, January 9th, 2011 AT 1:42 AM

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