Yeah, that's normal. All three of my Alfas burn/leak a quart every 1-1.5K.
What is normal oil consumption on a 2.0L?
Changed the oil on my '91 yesterday and got to thinking about oil consumption. I seem to lose about 1-1.5 qts of oil between oil changes (3000 miles)— which isn't a big deal but it's more than any other car I've had recently.
Replaced the head gasket, valves and valve guides last year which eliminated a lot of leaks, but I still have a few drops of oil on the floor from the lower pan— nothing that would amount to a quart of oil though. No oil fouling on the plugs nor any oil residue in the tail pipe. Cleaned the oil separator a few months ago also.
I know these engines are not machined to the tolerances of modern engines which rarely lose any oil between changes, but I was wondering what others find is normal oil consumption on Alfa 2.0L engines? Been using Mobil1 15w-50 synthetic oil.
Replaced the head gasket, valves and valve guides last year which eliminated a lot of leaks, but I still have a few drops of oil on the floor from the lower pan— nothing that would amount to a quart of oil though. No oil fouling on the plugs nor any oil residue in the tail pipe. Cleaned the oil separator a few months ago also.
I know these engines are not machined to the tolerances of modern engines which rarely lose any oil between changes, but I was wondering what others find is normal oil consumption on Alfa 2.0L engines? Been using Mobil1 15w-50 synthetic oil.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
here`s a strong suggestion
Mobile 1 isn`t an oil for Alfa engines.
The oil is both low in ZDDP and the nature of synthetic oil with smaller molecules do not offer adequate protection for the cams or cam followers.
As well it is the smaller oil "molecules" that cause all synthetics to leak far more than conventional oil.
I suggest you switch to Valvoline 20-50 non synthetic
and you will find it will leak less and burn less oil, as well protect the engine better.
Synthetics are fine for modern engines with roller valve actuation but not solid lifter motors.
Mobile 1 isn`t an oil for Alfa engines.
The oil is both low in ZDDP and the nature of synthetic oil with smaller molecules do not offer adequate protection for the cams or cam followers.
As well it is the smaller oil "molecules" that cause all synthetics to leak far more than conventional oil.
I suggest you switch to Valvoline 20-50 non synthetic
and you will find it will leak less and burn less oil, as well protect the engine better.
Synthetics are fine for modern engines with roller valve actuation but not solid lifter motors.
Alfar Been through the "what modern oil to use" conundrum a number of times with older cars.Mobile 1 isn`t an oil for Alfa engines.
The oil is both low in ZDDP and the nature of synthetic oil with smaller molecules do not offer adequate protection for the cams or cam followers.
As well it is the smaller oil "molecules" that cause all synthetics to leak far more than conventional oil.
I suggest you switch to Valvoline 20-50 non synthetic
and you will find it will leak less and burn less oil, as well protect the engine better.
Synthetics are fine for modern engines with roller valve actuation but not solid lifter motors.
Actually if you look up the specs, the 15W50 grade of Mobil1 has about the highest level of ZDDP you can find in any commonly available oil, certainly more than the current formulation of Castrol 20-50 that I used to use.The molecular size of a synthetic may allow a slightly larger amount of oil to pass into combustion but I'm not worried about the flat tappets which I have/had in an number of old cars. (70's vintage Mercedes SL and a 1934 Auburn Lycoming Straight 8 flat-head)
2 with the 4 cyl engines, a 2L 164 and a 1.6 75. No notable consumption. No notable leaks. FWIW I run Castrol 10W40 dino oil and STP treatment. ciao jc
Based on the info about Castrol removing ZDDP discussed in other threads here on the BB, I am now running
GT-1® High Performance Motor Oil with Liquid Titanium®
which contains ZDDP.
Attached is an image of its container so you can find it more easily on the shelf. FYI Amazon stocks it.
GT-1® High Performance Motor Oil with Liquid Titanium®
which contains ZDDP.
Attached is an image of its container so you can find it more easily on the shelf. FYI Amazon stocks it.
Attachments
-
27 KB Views: 489
OK, but how much ZDDP? (PPM: Parts Per Million) Castrol GT-1 "High" isn't very specific. If I remember Mobil 1 15/50 has the old level, around 1000PPM, but I can't find the table on their website
Based on the info about Castrol removing ZDDP discussed in other threads here on the BB, I am now running
GT-1® High Performance Motor Oil with Liquid Titanium®
which contains ZDDP.
Attached is an image of its container so you can find it more easily on the shelf. FYI Amazon stocks it.
The spec sheet says 1200 ppm in the 20W50. This is the same level as in Mobil1 15W50.
Here's an interesting read regarding ZDDP levels and different oil brands.... ZDDP values and High Zinc Oils ? Speed Talk
I use Valvoline 20/50 in my '83 spider and my car doesn't use any oil. In fact it even stays clean looking compared to my other cars. Then again my motor has under 50,000 miles. There is a small company Spectro oils in Ct. that makes high ZDDP oils for older cars which I've heard a lot of good things about.
"Liquid Titanium"Based on the info about Castrol removing ZDDP discussed in other threads here on the BB, I am now running
GT-1® High Performance Motor Oil with Liquid Titanium®
which contains ZDDP.
Attached is an image of its container so you can find it more easily on the shelf. FYI Amazon stocks it.
They wouldn't bullsh!t us, would they?
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Alfa Romeo Forums
A forum community dedicated to Alfa Romeo owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, parts, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
