Mazda 323 drinking oil

outland1985

Hi my trusty 98 Mazda 323 is drinking oil, probably full capacity ie nearly 3 litres every 5k miles. There's no leaks and I had the camshaft and crankshaft seals replaced less than a year ago. Went to check oil tonight which I stupidly haven't check since last top up 6 weeks ago and she's nearly bone dry!

She's the 1.3 lx with 130k miles. I have some rust I need repaired on both arches for next nct so considering the car is worth very little, wondering if I should keep her or get something else?

Cars still driving perfect so need some advice ,maybe the engines goosed or will be soon?

Thanks

TrailerBob

I'd imagine if there are no external leaks, then oil is getting past the rings into the combustion chamber. Has it been in any way smokey? Especially a blue tinge, or a bit smelly?

outland1985

TrailerBob wrote: »

I'd imagine if there are no external leaks, then oil is getting past the rings into the combustion chamber. Has it been in any way smokey? Especially a blue tinge, or a bit smelly?

Yes a bit Smokey not sure bout blue tinge but if you put the foot down there is some, not excessive smoke.

outland1985

Sorry is the blue tinge a sign of worn piston ring?

colm_mcm

You could check the PCV (pipe that sticks out the top of the engine) and see if it's blocked.
To be fair though, we had one and it was piston rings.

TrailerBob

It can be a sign of oil burning in larger than desired amounts. Might not be fatal, I believe that's within acceptable tolerance, but its a bit much for my liking.

outland1985

colm_mcm wrote: »

You could check the PCV (pipe that sticks out the top of the engine) and see if it's blocked.
To be fair though, we had one and it was piston rings.

Actually now that you say it, the black pipe on top of engine seem to be 1/4 inch up from its proper sitting position and a small amount of oil around said pipe, would that suggest its block as it seems to be getting slightly forced up if that makes sense

outland1985

TrailerBob wrote: »

It can be a sign of oil burning in larger than desired amounts. Might not be fatal, I believe that's within acceptable tolerance, but its a bit much for my liking.

Yes seems a bit much I have been doing changes every 5 or 6k but seems like I'm topping up a couple of litres in between these changes , as I do alot of driving I generally do 5/6 k under 3 months so a bit annoying

colm_mcm

outland1985 wrote: »

Actually now that you say it, the black pipe on top of engine seem to be 1/4 inch up from its proper sitting position and a small amount of oil around said pipe, would that suggest its block as it seems to be getting slightly forced up if that makes sense

It's worth checking either way. It basically vents the crankcase.

The Sidewards Man

If the engine cant breathe it will blow its load else where.

outland1985

Ok pulled off the pcv pipe and it seems to be sucking in air as I believe it is suppose to do, with the oil filler cap off and pcv valve off lots of air being displaced through those holes, is that normal?