Lately is seems my oil consumption is getting worse. I use Rotella 15w-40, change it on 5k intervals, and until lately, added 1-3 quarts between changes. I have just added the forth quart of oil in only 3000 miles since the last change, and it's starting to concern me a bit. No real leakage on the engine with the exception of around the fill neck, so it's leaking through *internally.* Some blue smoke at times, not clouds of it.

Right at 296,700 miles now and driving much more than previously as I am working again and not in grad school anymore. Any thoughts, or am I simply getting to rebuild time? Thanks for your ideas/opinions.

 

I'm having the same thing going on. I have found that the seals are leaking in the Turbo. Just haven't fixed it yet. Look around where the turbo hooks up to the exhaust, does there seem to be any oil stain? I noticed mine when I was under it looking up. That is easier the turning the truck over.
Ken

 

i wouldnt be worried...ur getting up there with the mileage...some oil consumption is expected...i add a teeny bit every time too...it just gets burned..im sure my timing has slipped and that has something to do with it...i need that snap-on kit just for aweekend...i wonder if they rent for a day

 

That is crazy, I have almost the same thing....it just started with mine on my last oil change. I put 2,000 miles on it and had to add 2 qts?? I also cant see any leaks. I use the same oil also. She runs like a bat out hell for the most part. I run with guys who have 04+ Cummins, a few 00+ Powerstrokes, and a 03 Duramax and they are amazed that a $8,000 truck can keep up.

 

Hmmm. So it seems others are noticing this problem also, yet no one has any real solutions as of yet. Here's another question: For those of you who have had your engine rebuilt, how much improvement do you see in oil consumption, etc? I would have to think it would go to nil. I would also suppose that a cylinder leak-down check would be the best overall test to determine the real internal state of my engine at this point.

Thanks for any help that could be provided - looks as if several of us could use it!

 

When was the last time you had your valve adjusted?


My old 12v had 400k on it when i sold it and it burned 1 qt between 3000 mile changes but when my valves were out of adjustment i would blow 2 qts out the breather tube on top of the 1 qt that i always burned.

Also i thought the seal on a turbo is just a ring like what is used on a piston, if that ring is toast the only reason why would be because of excess play in the shaft that could mean the blade is making contact with the turbo housing

 

Im havin the same problem too

Nope my valves have not been adjusted, and i used two quarts in 3000 miles, but i have a horribly leaky timing case (hopefully its not the KDP) fix kit is on its way since yesterday

here is what i tried..

i tightened all the bolts on the timing cover (10 mm wrench)
all the bolts on the bottom of the crankcase,
No leaks off the turbo
leaks off the top valve cover gaskets tightened those


STILL HAVE OIL from the timing case, and i want no leaks..

Linky to valve adjustment

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/val.../12_valve.html


Tx

 

No valve adjustments while I have owned it. Might be a good first step. Thanks for the help so far, I also need to replace the oil fill neck and clean it all good around there, then I could more accurately diagnose...

 

Maybe it's all in my head but my oil consumption seemed to drop quite a bit after I fixed a big vacuum leak right at the vacuum pump nipple. I had a pretty healthy plume of oil smoke coming from the breather tube and I don't see it anymore since I found the collapsed/holed rubber elbow.
Anyone else seen that effect too?

Keith

 

SoTexRattler...what are you talking about ? Where is the elbow ? maybe that's why mine is blowing so much.

 

Any vacuum leak increases your blowby pressure and will increase oil consumption and smoke.
What happens when the vacuum pump sucks is that it exhausts air into the block, the more it sucks trying to keep up with a leak the more it pressurizes the block.

 

So.. the vacuum pump exhausts in to the crankcase?

My truck has suddenly started putting more oil out the vent tube too.. Enough so that my trans and undercarriage has visible oil on it now.

The only thing I'm doing differently is 'playing' a little more and taking it up near redline more than before, which, incidentally, when I do, I get a LOT of grey smoke.. for a second or two.

Theres been no oil on the trans or undercarriage when I've been under the truck before. Mileage is 150k..

 

Another item for concern

The crankshaft seal... that sucker can let out oil as well, I think that along with the bad gaskets i have are the culprits

Here is my situation now, when i tackle the KDP the seal will be replaced, no doubt, BUT i notice that i have oil coming out of one valve cover gaskets and thru the top of them as well, mainly the first three, I noticed when I tried to clean the mess that the oil goes up somehow, thrun the gaskets, and comes out again.. It dont make any sence i know, but its happening like that, and the top 15mm screws on the first three are leaking, its only teh first three and i cannot figure out why.... any ideas guys?

Tx

 

When you replaced your valve cover gaskets, did you also replace the o-rings on the bolts?

 

The kit i bought

didnt come with o rings for the bolts...., still have oily mess, and i need those o rings, any idea where i can buy a complete kit? part number? online etc.. Preferably heavy duty gaksets, if such a thing exists..

Tx