Re: Oil Consumption (archive)

Hi Andrew,
As you can see, everything we do here is by each member or poster helping by what he knows. I hope your are correct and it is something that does not require a special compression test. Truly, any information you can gain or access concerning this problem can only help us all in the future. Unfortunately for you, you are the front runner in this case, with this problem, and we all hope that you find the proper answer in repairing the problem. I wish I could give you the easy answer at a moments notice, with a short e-mail message or here on the board, but as you can see, without help from people like you and me who have been through it, no one else will benefit. Perhaps your problems here and the resulting solutions will help many, many others who will look for help later. Please keep us posted. Regards, Kurt

Kurt,

While I agree that a compression or leakdown check is valuable in troubleshooting bad rings / valves etc, there are three items which point me away from that route.

1. The change in consumption happened suddenly.

2. There is no vacuum evident in the crankcase of my engine, although 13-15 in/hg are available at the intake manifold.

3. Anecdotal evidence points towards problems with the pcv system causing high consumption as a much more frequent cause than worn rings etc.

In addition to that, I received the following e-mail from a fellow board member. (Quoted without permission, name omitted)

>A while back you inquired about a reputed oil >separator located on the
>inside of the valve cover.

>Well, I just removed my valve covers, and you >are correct. There is a
>fairly intricate channel tack welded to the >inside of the cover that pulls
>air from the high side of the cover, routes it >across to the low side, and
>includes some incredibly tiny little "J" pipes >that look like they dump any
>condensed oil back onto the head.

>Amazingly complex. I might have some pictures if >I can scrounge a digital
>camera from one of my neighbors.

Andrew

Hi Randy,
All the guys are right, Charles, Andrew and Guy, also I am no engine guru, I just know some basics, and the main and most important basic thing I know is that you need to have a good honest independent mechanic, do the compression leak-down test, best best is to find a mechanic associated to and recommended by the BMW club of America, in your area. A good mechanic will tell you if it's Valve Oil seals or rings? or something else? especially if he knows V12s. Unfortunately there are just some things that we can't do ourselves unless we have the know how and the tools.

If you do the test, and you find it's the oil Valve stem seals, then it can be fixed without doing a major repair. It can be done as charles said with a special air tool etc. But, before you can fix the problem, unfortunately you do have to definitely identify the cause. So, it really is important to find an honest mechanic in your area, like I said, usually best to go through the BMW club in your area or through other guys here on the board who may live in your area and have a guy they know and trust.
I don't know if I have helped any at all, but I sure do hope you find the answer to the Oil problem, you and Andrew both. It could be me or anyone next time.
Regards Kurt

Kurt:

As you and I have spoken before, I had my oil changed a week ago since this last Friday. I went about 650 miles and the monitor said to check the engine oil level. One quart of 20w-50 was added today and that puts me about half way between the two lines on the dipstick. Once again, the engine runs great, there is no smoke; however, I tend to go 80-100mph on the highway w/o thinking about it. Kurt, even if there is excessive valve clearance, or worn valve guides, do I realistically need to either rebuild the engine, trade it in, or could I simply add oil and change the plugs more often if necessary and simply go about my business without hurting anything? There is no smoke and no funny noises.

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