Nissan
Sentra
2001
SE 2.0L
215,000 Miles
Automatic
I replaced the valve cover gaskets about a month ago, don't see any leaks there. I then just did an oil change as well. I know she burns / leaks some but not this much. I checked the dipstick before a highway trip and it was full. Then on my way home at 300 miles into the trip of the solar eclipse I noticed the engine did sound a tad funny, then on a turn that was 45 mph ramp the low oil pressure light flashed. I pulled over right away and there was no oil on the dip stick, I have 1qt in the trunk and added it fully. I then drove home which is about 15 more miles away and after she cooled down I checked it again and again no oil on dipstick. The light did not turn back on in that 15 miles back. I now just added another 1qt, drove her for 2 miles, let her cool back down a tad and now it's at 80% of the full level. It was mostly 70-80mph at 2300 - 3000k rpm.
I have never had a burn or leak this bad, any ideas?
Check the PCV valve (clogged?) and its hose (disconnected?). You just had the valve cover off.
Also, if it's burning that much oil I'd imagine you'd be having visible smoke coming from the tailpipe.
Also, pull the spark plugs. Are they oily?
Look underneath the engine for oil leaks. You recently did an oil change. Make sure the filter is screwed on tight
that is a ludicrous amount of oil burning. That engine has had it.
any ideas?
Yes - your engine is worn out. Time for another car.
I forgot to add, only about 15 minutes of engine on at idle, rest was movement.
Thank you everyone for the comments, ideas and feedback.
The PCV valve was clogged and replaced it. The filter was on tight and don't see any large leaks under it or on the ground or from drain plug. The spark plugs were a tad dirty but nothing over the top. While plugs were out, took off ignition coils and my friend has the mini camera on a string, the inside of the cylinder walls look blue, he says from the lack of oil its gone through and getting too hot. Would you agree? I checked the valve cover all over again and it's ok there. I did check the tailpipe and there was some oil in it, so it's for sure burning. And some leaking from rear main seal as well, but nothing major.
I did a some low road tests. I filled up with oil to exactly the full line, then did only low road driving and like usual never pushed her hard or excessive amounts of idle time. I drove 140 miles and then after that checked the dipstick again and she was down 3/4th a quart. So the low road driving of maybe max 2200 rpm while accelerating and around 1200 to 1400 rpm while at speed is not as bad as the highway but still not great at all. Now keeping 5q of oil in trunk!
I will start looking for another vehicle.
I do ask though, other than this and a couple of other minor quirks she isn't the worst. Do you think to just junk her for $250 bucks or maybe sell it to someone that just does minor amounts of driving in the city and explain all this to them? I have a feeling if they don't abuse it at all and I mean all and check the oil often and don't drive much she will last some time.