Losing oil

[SuperKal]

On a recent trip from Toronto to Washington DC, the Yukon started to make a pinging/rattling noise from the engine when under load. I also noticed that the oil pressure was low on the guage. Upon checking the oil I found that it was not even registering on the dipstick. I had only gone about 4000 km since my last oil change. I added 3 quarts and after that had no problems at all.

Fast forward to last week and I noticed the low pressure, occasional pinging noise and overall noisy startups of the Yukon. Checked the oil and again not showing on the dipstick. Bought a 5 litre jug of oil and had to add 4 litres to bring the level to the correct amount. Truck is now sounding okay again. This time I had gone about 5000 km since an oil change.

Here is some additional info:

Have never in the past needed to add any oil whatsoever

Cannot see or find any leaks

Cannot see any smoke from the back even under hard acceleration

Coolant colour looks fine.

I currently have 170,000 km on the truck

I am now concerned since I cannot figure out where the oil is going.

Any ideas? anyone?

Kal.

 

[foxracer025]

If it's not leaking it's being burned up in the engine.

 

[SuperKal]

I'm guessing this is not a good thing. A few questions:

Is this going to get worse?

Anything I can do to correct this?

Is my engine going to die at some point as a result of this?

Should I be thinking about trading it in?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kal.

 

[foxracer025]

It may get worse as time goes on, high mileage engines typically burn oil as they get older due worn piston rings etc.

You can try adding STP oil treatment. It's a small blue bottle with thick oil in it.

If it's burning that much oil get in the habit of checking oil every time you get gas so you can get a real good idea of how fast it's disappearing.

That engine will run for quite awhile if you keep adding oil.

Could always sell it now while it runs good but getting another used vehicle could put you in the same spot. Tough call.

 

[Mac]

Check the oil cooler line...

 

[SuperKal]

Check the oil cooler line...

What do you mean?

 

[Mac]

Defending on the model these trucks comes with an oil cooler line that snake through the radiator....