2003 accord LX with 104,500 miles

I am loosing oil. (within 1200 miles of oil change - full to less than quart) The check oil light does come on, especially when I brake hard or fast. I turn off and re-start engine and the light goes off

There is no spotting on the driveway, nor burning smoke. There is stainage on the engine (left side if looking at it)

I took it to two different places. One had no explanation, the other "thinks" its a gasket issue and could cost $350.00

Other than taking to Honda, anyone else have this problem?

thanks in advance.

 

welcome to forum
clarify - is this right?
~4qts oil capacity at change and you lose 3 qts in 1200 miles?


generally, beyond big drip evidence, I'd have someone else drive it and you follow behind to observe.
but maybe you've done this.
best

 

Thanks,

That is correct, have troubleshot with your suggestion. Nothing. I'm at a loss. I'm concerned that it's gonna cost $ to diagnose and now isn't the right time for that.

 

if it's not leaking, it has to be going somewhere, that's excessive for 1200 mile...have you pulled the plugs and checked condition? my 03 2.4L with 180k, uses about a quart every 2500 miles or so. something is wrong....

 

Note that the whole range on the dipstick (min to max marks) is about 1 quart. It doesn't have to drop too far below the minimum mark before it's completely off the dipstick.

 

Thank you, I will check the condition of the plugs and get back to the thread. I will note, that when cold, the oil comes to the tip of the dipstick, when hot there is nothing.

 

We're here to learn, and not being judgmental:
most of us with oil problem would check oil frequently and add when it reaches 1/2 qt lower than full.

Sounds to me like it's normal operation is maybe 2 qts low.
Checking out - don't think I can add anything.

 

Pic's of "stain" might help.

So cold, the level reads correct but when hot and 3~5 minutes after shut off, there is no reading on the stick?

 

To me it sounds like there's a little oil on the tip of the dipstick when he checks it cold. That's a bit low, but I don't have the 2003 car any more. Seems to me the dipstick has a couple mm extra length below the "low" mark. So maybe it's a pint below the "low" mark. Need to add oil but maybe don't need to panic about damaged engine.