Questions and Answers

Civic Uses Oil Q. Hello Vince, I have a 1992 Honda Civic LX 1.5 liter, manual transmission and fuel injected with 194,000 kms (120,500 miles) on it. My problem goes like this: my engine consumes usually about 1 liter (quart) per 1,600 kms (1,000 miles) and it doesn't have any exterior leaks nor excessive smoke.

It runs smooth and it doesn't show any sign that there is a problem. My fuel efficiency ranges from 9-10 liters per 100 kms. What do you think should I do? Is the valve seals worn out or do I have to replace a new piston rings? How would you know whether to replace a valve seal or piston ring? Is it worth the repair or simply do an engine swap?

Others even recommend the use of a thicker oil like 20W50 to reduce or resolve the problem. Is the kind of thick oil advisable for older cars like mine especially here in Vancouver, Canada though our climate seldom drop below zero?

I hope you can help me with my problem. I bought this in a Honda Dealership but I don't know if they are hiding this defect to me.

Jeff

A. First off, I would not use a 20W50 motor oil. When the temperature gets down below freezing, you will have a lot of problems starting the engine. If you lived in an area where the temperature never went below 50° F, then using the 20W50 will help somewhat. But all it will do is cure the symptom, not the problem.

The only way to tell if the problem is with the valve seals or rings is to do a wet/dry compression test. Take a compression reading noting the cylinder number and results. Then, with an oil can, pump two or three good squirts of oil into the cylinder and test again. If the results go up more than 20 or 25%, you have ring problems. If there is no significant increase, then it's valve seals.

The results will determine the cost of repair. Valve seals are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Piston rings would require an engine rebuild or replacement.

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