Oil Consumption Ecotec X16XEL

[Stuart Rowe]

I've recently purchased a 1996 Astra 16.16v (Ecotec X16XEL) car that tends
to go from max to min on the dip stick in about 1,000 miles. No oil leaks,
but the oil looks in poor shape.

Any ideas for any easy wins to increase this consumption (additives, change
of oil)

What grade should this engineer use ?

With thanks
Stu.

[Gadget]

"Stuart Rowe" <stuar...@zoom.co.uk> wrote in message
news:eqR8a.2065$DH5...@newsfep1-gui.server.ntli.net...

I had the same problem with a Vectra with the same engine with 60k on it.

If it's not leaking it, it must be burning it, and the consumption rate you
have is at the minimum acceptable. Try accelerating hard and look for blue
smoke.

I ended up changing the rings (and did the big end shells as well), I also
had the head checked and they found a cracked valve guide. It's not a
difficult job on this engine, well within the scope of a home mechanic.

A total cost of £250 (Rings £60, Shells £14, Head check and guide
replacement £120 plus odds and sods) and basically got a new engine now.

Runs as sweet as a nut now with zero oil consumption.

David

[Stuart Rowe]

That's the odd think. On smoke to talk about really.

I just don't know what's happening to the oil !!!!

[Rob]

Use a decent quality semi-synthetic. Vauxhall's own brand is reasonably
priced but any decent brand will do.