Hi,

 

 

First of all, I am a bit of an idiot when it comes to cars - I love them but don't fully understand the internal combustion engine - so, if you do have the time and knowledge to reply to this plea, talk as you would to an ignoramus....

 

Car is a '57 plate Oct Vrs petrol - has had an ARP stage 1 Map, green panel air filter and sports exhaust. I booted it up country a few days ago (which was hugely enjoyable, in a safe and rapid way) and just before I arrived at my destination the oil warning light came on. This was very strange as she should have been full of oil and there is no sign of leak(s) in the engine bay or on the tarmac. Popped into a garage on the way back to pick up some oil, couldn't find it amongst all the fruit, baking products, meat, wine, etc so asked one of the shop workers. We got talking and he turned out to be an ex-mechanic who suggested the oil was being shot out the exhaust due to a knackered turbo (the turbo hasn't been uprated). I haven't noticed any smoking out of the exhaust but it sounds like it could be an answer?

 

I have done some research and turbo-aspirated engines do consume some oil so perhaps I am getting my knickers in a twist over nothing? 1.5L of oil in 3,500 miles - is that reasonable?

 

So, anybody with any advice or experience they could pass onto me please? I want to know as much about this as possible before I approach my garage as, although it is good, it is not a specialist VAG garage (can't find any close - based in North Cornwall).

• Is there a problem or is the oil consumption reasonable?
• Could it be the turbo?
• How can I check? (Haven't noticed a drop in power but I don't drive her hard very often so maybe it has?)
• If it is the turbo, should I replace it with an uprated one that can handle the increased pressure?

 

Please help!

 

Many thanks

Andy

Oil warning light?

Red light is oil pressure-bad news.

Orange light is oil level-better news.

The oil has to be going somewhere, if there are no external leaks then it must be burning it.

If the turbo oil seals were knacked you'd know by the plume of blue/white smoke behind you when accelerating hard, not necessarily with any noticeable power loss.

Try getting someone to rev engine while you smell exhaust, burning oil has a telltale smell, follow an old ford and you'll know it!

Your oil consumption seems high but probably within specs.

Your car's engine will use oil depending on how it's driven, often thrashed ones use less, probably due to better piston ring/bore seal.

Anyways that's my view, I've no doubt you'll get a more informed opinion.

1.5l in 3_500 miles is "within specifications", particularly if you're a gentle driver and the rings haven't had a chance to bed in properly.

 

Is there any evidence of smoking from the exhaust? Particularly blue (or white) smoke on starting, when reapplying throttle after being on over-run down a hill, or on gear changing?

 

Is there any evidence of oil in the coolant (look in the expansion bottle when the engine is COLD )?

1.5L of oil in 3,500 miles - is that reasonable?

That's actually on the low side for the TFSI. Welcome to the oil burners club!

1.5L in 3,500 miles is fantastic for a VAG 2.0 TFSI. These engines are well known for gulping oil. The average consumption seems to be 1L to every 1000 miles.

Check under you engine mine was leaking oil but no sign as it was collecting on the undertray. Also if you have had the car tuned it may have a spacer on your dumpvalve under the car and may be shooting out oil there

Mine uses a 1L every 900-1000 miles; you're doing very well! Interestingly enough mine uses less oil the harder you drive it!  :think:

They can slurp it. I'm about a 1L every 5k so better than many.

Thanks guys - sounds like it's the nature of the beast!

 

Oil light is the flashing yellow warning, no evidence of burning oil via smoke or smell,no oil in the coolant, no oil under the engine. I guess (and hope) it's just being burnt off. I shall monitor the situation.

 

Again, thanks for all the advice, much appreciated. I'm quite happy to splash out on a bit of oil for the old girl. And, for once, it sounds like my heavy right foot is actually saving me money!

 

Cheers the noo.

The oil warning on mine comes on at about 1/2 way down the stick. But always best to check.

I remember an old Peugeot, the sensor fell off but the guy drove it thinking it was cured as the light no longer came on, until it seized.