3.6r using oil

[jacklehman]

I have a 2011 3.6R Limited with 30K miles. I bought it used with 23K. I have done 2 oil changes. Between both it was low on oil. For the second the dealer did a "oil consumption analysis." I had to go there every 1,200 miles and have them check and add oil. It was a pain. At the end of the analysis, they said that it used 28oz in about 3700 miles and that his is "normal." Basically I wasted my time going to the dealer and waiting for them to check the oil...

They said that the engine can use up to a quart every 1,200 miles and that is normal.

I am not excited about having a car that uses 1 quart between oil changes (at 30K), and I let the service manager know this. I am very qualified to check my oil, add oil, change oil, etc. However I don't think I should routinely have to add oil between oil changes on a relatively new car.

Do other folks out there with a 3.6r have similar experiences? I am thinking about trading the car in.

[bradze]

there are probably people with the same issue. my wife's new impreza burns a quart between changes. my ej25 burns none. plenty of engines do, plenty don't. it can be kinda normal, i wouldn't worry too much.

[1 Lucky Texan]

kinda interesting to actually see a number.

is it your impression 1 qt. in 1200 miles is an actual Subaru limit?

I knew a guy in the 90s that was told by Chevy they allow 1qt. in 900 miles. he was extremely unhappy. (perhaps it's a different threshold nowadays)

[Latigo]

It's not about what is allowable oil consumption for a [new] motor, it's the fact oil is being consumed period.
I've built engines and consider myself a gear head with the best of 'em, but if my new Outback was using a measurable amount of oil like that, I'd be pissed. It's not 1970 anymore (though my 73 Lincoln's 460 doesn't use a drop either) so there shouldn't be any excuse for a new motor to use oil. That's where the OP's frustration is coming from.

[jp1203]

Originally Posted by Latigo

It's not about what is allowable oil consumption for a [new] motor, it's the fact oil is being consumed period.
I've built engines and consider myself a gear head with the best of 'em, but if my new Outback was using a measurable amount of oil like that, I'd be pissed. It's not 1970 anymore (though my 73 Lincoln's 460 doesn't use a drop either) so there shouldn't be any excuse for a new motor to use oil. That's where the OP's frustration is coming from.

Right. My 2004 H6 with 130k doesn't burn a drop as far as I can tell, and that's how it should be! On a ~2 year old car, I would think it's totally unacceptable.

[1 Lucky Texan]

did they do a compression/leakdown test?

maybe have one done by an indie mech, post the numbers. heck, maybe running some seafoam in the oil would free-up a stuck ring or ???

I wonder, does a cracked ring land leave score marks that a borescope could see?

[upflying]

more stuff in this thread..
2012 3.6R using oil at 11k!

[pgh]

Originally Posted by bradze

there are probably people with the same issue. my wife's new impreza burns a quart between changes. my ej25 burns none. plenty of engines do, plenty don't. it can be kinda normal, i wouldn't worry too much.

There are some complaints on the Forester 2.5 FB and especially the 2.0 FB series Impreza engine on excessive oil consumption. I assume the between oil changes for the Impreza is 7,500?

[edawg]

Burning oil may be acceptable to that dealer, but not to anyone else these days and certainly not to the next person you sell that car to. It appears they sold a car with a nagging problem that may cost big money when that oil burning clogs the emissions system and/or gets worse causing failed emissions and big money to fix it (recent experience of a buddy at work with an older car). Sounds like the oil consumption is the real reason that car was traded at 23K and it would be interesting to see the full computer service history on that one... Smells like a dealer who sold a used car that either can't or doesn't want to go to bat for you to get the problem really resolved and hopes you'll let it slide. Assuming you bought from a Subaru used car dealer, there may not be a TSB the dealer can use to justify repair. Dealers don't just have the power to get all work done at Subaru's expense so you may have to get Subaru involved to help your dealer be able to fix it. Explain this to the Service Dept Mgr (nicely) and see if you can team up to get this resolved.

In the past with Honda, I've gone to the corporate care folks, opened a case and then brought that back to the dealer to help the dealer get Honda to work the issue. Also, Subaru has "representatives" who go to dealers to sell new models and handle escalations and if you're lucky, the dealer will get one fo those involved IF the car has a clear history (serviced by Subaru since new ideally).

If nothing shakes out, then raise this to the General Manager of the dealership where you bought it and get a Subaru-backed warranty on that car at least OR the purchase price applied towards a trade of a new vehicle before that warranty expires. You bought a car under warranty. It's a serious issue that's potentially (and likely) going to cost you. You should be made right to provide peace of mind before you continue to do business there or refer friends.

If that doesn't work, mentioning that the Subaru faithful on this forum will hear about it might help (at least you'll feel better that others won't do business there). Again, if you're dealing with a Subaru dealer, I doubt it will get that far though if these steps are followed (Service Mgr->SOA->General Mgr).

[upflying]

Funny thought regarding the advice given about this forum..
The standard reply for every service manager when you tell them you read it on the internet is, "there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, I would not trust it".