Bought a 97 Accord, 2.2 liter a few months ago. I did have the timing belt, pump, and seals replaced.

The engine leaks no oil, but is a quart low after about 1000 miles. I guess it is burning some oil but I see no smoke from the exhaust when I start the car or when it is running.

My question is would you just put a qt of oil in every 1000 miles, or maybe try an additive to possibly help rings, valve guide seals reduce leakage.

Thanks!

 

Does the valve cover say VTEC on it? VTEC has been known to use more oil, depending on how often the engine is using it.

 

finch,

It is the non-vtech engine, just the 2.2 liter.

I also replaced the valve cover gasket and upper spark plug seals a few months ago due to oil in the plug holes.

Just trying to figure if there is a good additive to try that might reduce oil consumption.

J

 

Leaks are the most likely reason for loss of oil, although 1 qt/1000 is not something to stay awake worrying over. Potential sources of oil leaks are roughly in order of liklihood:

1) Distributor/camshaft oring seal - Seal on the distributor key end blocks oil from cylinder head escaping. All will leak w/ 5-6 years of age.

2)Valve cover gasket - leaks around edges or ends. If old, this is a likely oil leak source. There are spark plug seals that come w/ the valve cover gasket that should also be replaced.

3) rear balance shaft/oil pump cover - This cover has an o-ring seal that gets hard w/ age and you will notice a leak from the low end of the lower timing belt cover.

4) oil pressure switch - A rubber sleeve covers the oil pressure switch and oil can eventually make it's way past internal seals and push through the rubber sleeve.

5) Vtec pressure switch and solenoid valve - I've had this leak on my Vtec.

6) Oil pan gasket - These will leak, but can usually be sealed by retightening the pan bolts. Don't overtighten and strip the bolt threads!

Oil actually being consumed at 1qt/1000 should show on the spark plugs as carbon buildup. My only experience w/ oil passing valve stem seals was on a Mitsubishi V6. It would start to puff oil smoke after a prolonged idle w/ fully warmed engine, and a large billow of oil smoke would erupt when you accelerated after a long idle.

good luck