Any thoughts on "excessive" oil usage

[LisaS]

Hi Everyone !

My 2016 Laramie 1500 doing fine, had almost a whole year without that annoying issue with the fuel sensor/pump. This time it pulled the code at 3/4 of a tank & 22 degrees, wish they would institute a recall.

My question today is for a friend that has a new to him 2009 1500 with the 4.7 l. He's putting in almost 2 quarts of oil about every 2 weeks.

There are no visible leaks or other indicators.

He drives about 70 miles r/t to work, mostly highway, BUT pulls a trailer 2-3 times a week loaded with heavy scrap metal approximately 25 miles to the scrapper.

I think the strain of the load may be what's doing it.

Truck was well taken care of by the previous owner, but he doesn't know if this year and or engine has known issues.

Thanks for any thoughts or advice !

Stay well and be safe out there.

Lisa

 

[BWL]

With no visible leaks it's probably going out the crankcase vent. My guess is piston rings, but there are other things that could cause it. Regardless, no leak and that much oil he's going to need some internal parts replaced.

 

[BWL]

Compression test may shed some light on where it's going. Oil sample may help determine how fast the wear is progressing.

 

[MADDOG]

How many miles does your friend's 2009 have on it?

I agree with BWL that with no visible leaks present that oil is headed past the piston rings and down the tailpipe.

I'd recommend a compression test be done on that engine.

 

[DC Tradesman]

About the only thing you personally can do is check your exhaust for blue smoke from a cold start before the catalytic converter gets warm. Best to have someone start while you look. This will tell you if it’s valve seals.
Ring blow by is found with compression test.

 

[Nick14]

Compression test. That is a ton of oil without a leak. Looks like approx. 500/wk Any blue smoke? Nick

 

[Burla]

this is the one time where an oil thickner like lucas makes sense, thicker oil less goes past rings, but that sounds pretty bad.

 

[kurek]

It could be sloppy (worn) rings/cylinder walls, that's where the conventional wisdom of a thicker oil may help.

But it could also be sticking rings or crusty hardened valve guide seals. In that case the better plan is the thinnest oil specified for the vehicle plus replace a quart of it with a solvent additive (follow the instructions for exact amount, but don't half ass it) like MMO to get maximum oil velocity and penetration in there to wash away any waxy/varnishy stuff that's either holding the rings in place or preventing the valve guide seals from staying tight on the valve stems.