Car Burning Oil, Does an Engine Flush Help This Issue?

LJason A on 17/03/2020 - 21:32

Hi,

I bought a second hand car a couple of months ago and the oil is burning so I have to keep filling it up, I took it to a mechanic to see the issue.
I was given the options to have either an engine flush to clear the motor and put thicker oil in that wont burn off as bad, or just buy a new second hand motor to put in.

Just seeing if an engine flush will fix the issue before I go ahead with it.

If there are any opinions about what's better, changing the motor or flushing it, Thanks a bunch.

Jason.

Automotive

Comments

  • PissLUR on 17/03/2020 - 21:36

    Are you using the correct spec oil for your car?

  • AdosHouse on 17/03/2020 - 21:57
    +1

    If an engine is not properly maintained, and you do a proper flush on it, it can cause gunk to break free from surfaces and flow around the engine. This can cause oil filter blockages, and in the worse case scenario, oil passages to block or bearing surfaces to pack it in.

    Are you sure it is burning oil? Is it blowing any smoke?

  • King Tightarse on 17/03/2020 - 22:11
    +1

    Engine flush = standard wallet flush
    Change the oil and filter. Use a higher range viscosity oil that is still indicated as suitable for your car (see the manual) and check the plugs.
    An engine burning excessive oil is almost always worn. A compression test will reveal a lot.

  • ThatKiwiFella on 17/03/2020 - 22:12
    +2

    If it’s burning oil, nothing will fix it except actually fixing the issue.

    No, a flush and thicker oil won’t fix it.

  • Ryanek on 17/03/2020 - 22:18
    +1

    Seals are probably kaput

  • aussieprepper on 17/03/2020 - 23:00

    What engine?
    How much oil are you filling up?
    Where is it leaking from?

    You can add some stop leak and see if that helps? Thicker oil may help. I can't see how an engine flush will help but it could make it worse.

  • Mechz on 17/03/2020 - 23:02

    How bad is it burning oil? Like how much do you put in every week?

  • MS Paint on 17/03/2020 - 23:19
    +1

    Might need new rings.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2020 - 01:18

    2nd option and tell them nothing.

  • jimbobaus on 18/03/2020 - 08:23
    +2

    Think we may have found why the previous owner sold the car

  • Euphemistic on 18/03/2020 - 09:28
    +5

    Start with what car, engine, vehicle age and kms. Then we might be able to help.

  • Cave Fire on 18/03/2020 - 10:47

    Flushing the oil costs about $70 at a mechanics. It can work or not. Might also be another cooling issue or lifters. Is there a ticking noise and vibration? You can try $15 additives that may help. Depends a lot on the car model. You can complete other maintenance related to cooling and see if this helps. So checking the fans, condition of coolant and temps while the car has been running for a while.

  • Cheeper on 18/03/2020 - 11:10

    Check for sticking/dirty/faulty pcv valve.
    Also could be worn valve stem seals or piston rings.
    In the long run the cheapest option may be another car if the engine has be flogged.

  • brad1-8tsi on 18/03/2020 - 13:35

    Thanks for all the detail about car make / model; engine type/size and mileage.

    Eight ball say "It's hard to tell"

    • Euphemistic on 18/03/2020 - 14:40
      +1

      Op is turning out to be a one post wonder.

  • the Unforgiven on 19/03/2020 - 00:10

    Go to the wreckers and ask how much an engine is
    Also ask how much it is to change it

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