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Triund
May 24, 2009, 06:51 PM
My Saturn SL2 1998, with 157600 km, drinks lots of Engine oil. Every about 3000 Km, I have to fill in the Engine oil.

What could be the reason and is it a sign of some coming trouble.

Scleros
May 24, 2009, 07:26 PM
My Saturn SL2 1998, with 157600 km, drinks lots of Engine oil. Every about 3000 Km, I have to fill in the Engine oil. What could be the reason...

Some common reasons are:

Worn or scratched cylinders and piston rings allowing excessive oil to pass rings and be consumed by combustion. Normally accompanied by blue exhaust smoke.
Worn engine seals allowing oil to leak or be blown out of engine.
Cracked engine block allowing oil to leak out or intermix with engine coolant.
Engine oil plug improper torque or seal deterioration causing leakage.
Engine oil filter improper torque or seal deterioration causing leakage.



...and is it a sign of some coming trouble.

Trouble may have already arrived. Although any engine will wear and leak more with age and I don't know what's normal for Saturns, I'd consider from full to fill in under 2000 miles excessive even with that mileage. My '86 MR2 that's been driven hard and has nearly 200,000 miles uses about half a quart in a 3000 mile oil change. But, engines vary, so inquire with a Saturn dealer if nobody familiar with Saturns responds here. The car's manual may also indicate normal and acceptable rates of replenishment. Also, if the amount of oil usage increased suddenly and hasn't grown as the car aged, see a mechanic.