Global Search

autos

Nissan Sentra burns up oil, but only on the highway

  • Article by: PAUL BRAND
  • Updated: September 7, 2012 - 9:22 PM

Q I have a 1998 Nissan Sentra with a 1.6-liter engine. It does not leak or use any oil except at highway speeds when it uses up to a quart of oil on a 300-mile trip. I replaced the PCV valve and it seemed like the problem was fixed as there was no oil usage for a trip or two. But now it is acting up again. Is it possible the new PCV valve is at fault? It seems to be working properly and, when I remove it at engine idle, it makes a hissing sound and there is a strong vacuum when I place my finger over the valve inlet. The ventilation hoses seem fine and unobstructed. Any ideas?

  • 10

  • Comments

  • Results per page:
  • 1 - 10 of 10
marrmanSep. 8, 1211:35 PM

At higher speeds, more oil is pumped to the top of the engine. If the oil return holes are plugged with sludge, the valve cove will fill with oil and the PVC will suck it straight up. Paul missed this one, try a can of Sea Foam and change oil regularly or take valve cover off and clean manually.

4
4
smarterthanuSep. 9, 12 8:19 AM

I wouldn't use more than half-a-can.

3
6
donotbugmeSep. 11, 12 4:46 PM

I have a hard time imagining PB passing up an opportunity to recommend SF. Perhaps it truly would not be useful here.

0
7
donotbugmeSep. 11, 12 4:51 PM

If the rings are shot, as is probably the case, thinning the oil with the 'foam is probably the worst thing you might do. No 'tuneup in a can' product will provide a longterm solution, as PB seems to implicitly recognize here. Thumbs up, I think.

3
6
marrmanSep. 11, 12 8:39 PM

Maybe the rings are stuck or sticky and Sea Foam would work great in this situation, I still think it's worth a try

5
3
marrmanSep. 11, 12 8:49 PM

If Sea Foam does not work, change the oil a use 3 quarts straight 50 weight and 2 cans STP. and sell the car before winter

1
5
itsmeddcSep. 12, 12 5:41 AM

I had a case with dried up valve seals. The oil got sucked down the intake valve guile's. I took the springs off one by one and all I found was broken little pieces of valve seal. Got a new set of seals for 7 bucks and it didn't use a drop of oil after that. Cheep fix.

5
2
daman1234Sep. 12, 12 8:19 AM

lol ! people here think they know more about cars than PAUL BRAND !!!

1
7
donotbugmeSep. 12, 1210:19 PM

It doesn't take a genius to do this stuff. PB's method seems to be like this: Is it vapor lock? If not, look it up in AllData. If the solution isn't there, recommend 'half a can.'

0
9
donotbugmeSep. 12, 1210:24 PM

I must observe that PB provided three good answers to this week's three questions. Thumbs up to PB.

4
4
  • 1 - 10 of 10

Comment on this story   |  

from the homepage

ADVERTISEMENT

Seattle - LP: C. Furbush 8 FINAL
Cleveland - WP: J. Smith 10
Tampa Bay - LP: J. Lueke 5 FINAL
Toronto - WP: R. Dickey 7
NY Yankees - WP: D. Robertson 6 FINAL
Baltimore - LP: P. Strop 4
Cincinnati - WP: J. Cueto 4 FINAL
NY Mets - LP: S. Marcum 3
Philadelphia - LP: C. Hamels 1 FINAL
Miami - WP: A. Sanabia 5
Minnesota - LP: K. Correia 1 FINAL
Atlanta - WP: J. Teheran 5
Oakland 9 Bottom 9th Inning
Texas 2
Los Angeles - WP: C. Kershaw 3 FINAL
Milwaukee - LP: Y. Gallardo 1
Boston - LP: J. Lester 4 FINAL
Chicago WSox - WP: D. Axelrod 6
Kansas City - LP: J. Guthrie 5 FINAL
Houston - WP: D. Keuchel 6
Arizona - WP: P. Corbin 5 FINAL
Colorado - LP: J. Garland 1
St. Louis 2 Top 4th Inning
San Diego 1
Washington 0 Bottom 4th Inning
San Francisco 2
Chicago 1 FINAL
Detroit 3
Connect with twitterConnect with facebookConnect with Google+Connect with PinterestConnect with PinterestConnect with RssfeedConnect with email newsletters

ADVERTISEMENT

Featured Dealers

«
WAYZATA NISSAN

WAYZATA NISSAN

BEST PRICES ON NISSAN VEHICLES IN MINNESOTA

www.wayzatanissan.com


«
BMW of Minnetonka

BMW of Minnetonka

Great Used Car Selection

www.bmwofminnetonka.com


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT