My 2000 LeSabre (22K miles) seems to be using 1 and 1/2 quarts of oil between 4K mile changes. We have 6 vehicles (2 Town Cars, Corvette, Lexus RX, Caliber, LeSabre) around the home, and none of them consume more than a 1/2 quart between changes other than this one. No visible signs of oil burning, just seems to use up oil. Is this common? The engine is the 3.8L 3800. So far, my two complaints with this vehicle are; 1) oil consumption and 2) failing window regulators.

 

No it is not common.

The 3800 has a excellent dependability history.

I have heard of vehicles that have been used mostly driven on short drives of less than 2 miles, using oil.

There is either a leak that drips without showing up some where on the underside of the car or actually still burning in the engine. Plugs will show this burning.

I have seen a car that drips a couple drops just after parking when hot and quits but you would see it marking its home territory. Hot engines heat up just a bit after shutdown.

Good Luck

 

While it is quite true that the 3800 has been very dependable, I believe that recent models have been built with low tension piston rings in the interest of fuel economy. This allows for slightly higher oil consumption, particularly in service such as "Bass" describes.


A quart in 4000 miles would hardly be considered excessive.

 

Interesting post...MrBSS.

I agree it's not apparently excessive.
I did find this WEBSITE</span>
Touching on the "newer type rings" subject and also mentioning the ring changes in the 3800..
This post thread will cause me a closer look at my 2000 vs. my 94's

Thanks.
Edited by: bassasasin

 

I'll have to keep an eye out on this consumption issue. The vehicle is generally driven on short trips around town. I'll be driving this vehicle to Michigan this summer and will keep an eye on the oil issue.