Oil consumption on 1500mi road trip

[MilesTeg]

I just got back from a 1500 mile road trip where I noted significantly increased oil consumption. About 550 miles out at 75-85 mph, 400 miles tooling around the park, and 550 miles of high speed back.

Somehow, on both legs of the journey in and out I had a pretty stiff head wind. About 30-40mph on the way to the park (Wyoming blows, lol), and a good 20 on the way back (Wyoming blows both ways apparently).

I have a '24 2.3L with a manual and it rolled over to 10k just about as a pulled into my driveway.

I just checked the oil, and it is about 8 oz (1/4 the distance between min/max) down from before the trip. I know that's not much in the grand scheme of things, but I have not noted any significant consumption in previous trips/oil changes (I'm on my second oil change right now). Though this one was particularly taxing due to headwinds @ interstate speeds.

Just looking for a sanity check that my gut feeling of "yeah, that poor little turbo engine worked real damn hard for 1100 miles so no wonder it burned a little oil when it hasn't before" is a reasonable position.

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[gbub]

One thing that may have contributed is the fuel oil dilution. When you drive long distances with the oil temperature at the upper level, it can distill out a lot of the fuel. So the oil used on the trip can also include oil you used before the trip plus the fuel in the that oil. If that isn't understandable, your actual oil level before the trip was probably lower than it showed on the dip stick but the fuel in the oil made it appear higher.

 

[DragonWolf7]

I just got back from a 1500 mile road trip where I noted significantly increased oil consumption. About 400 miles out at 75-85 mph, 550 miles tooling around the park, and 550 miles of high speed back.

Somehow, on both legs of the journey in and out I had a pretty stiff head wind. About 30-40mph on the way to the park (Wyoming blows, lol), and a good 20 on the way back (Wyoming blows both ways apparently).

I have a '24 2.3L with a manual and it rolled over to 10k just about as a pulled into my driveway.

I just checked the oil, and it is about 8 oz (1/4 the distance between min/max) down from before the trip. I know that's not much in the grand scheme of things, but I have not noted any significant consumption in previous trips/oil changes (I'm on my second oil change right now). Though this one was particularly taxing due to headwinds @ interstate speeds.

Just looking for a sanity check that my gut feeling of "yeah, that poor little turbo engine worked real damn hard for 1100 miles so no wonder it burned a little oil when it hasn't before" is a reasonable position.

I know you said you did the oil change, not saying you didn’t do it correctly; but this may help too.

After you change the oil and filter, Start the engine and let it idle for about 30–60 seconds. This allows the new oil to circulate and fills the new oil filter.
Then Check underneath for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
Then Shut the engine off and wait about 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan.
Finally Check the dipstick and top off if needed. It’s common for the oil level to drop slightly after the filter fills.

You don’t need to let it run for a long time or go for a drive before checking the level. Just the brief idle period is enough. If you didn’t do that, it maybe why; it could have just leveled off better and was just a tad bit low but you never noticed.

Again this is just my personal experience with engines.

 

[Willub]

High load = boost = increased crankcase pressure = increased oil consumption

I would not be worried.

 

[BillyB]

I've done many a long trips, 15 - 22 hours, in various brands of vehicles, Dodge, Subaru, Range Rover, Toyota, and found that over 75mph vehicle-things change vs 70-75mph, esp in WY, where, as the locals say when asked if the wind always blows this hard, and they reply...no, sometimes it blows harder...LOL...hope your trip was otherwise enjoyable !

 

[wjtinfwb]

I just got back from a 1500 mile road trip where I noted significantly increased oil consumption. About 550 miles out at 75-85 mph, 400 miles tooling around the park, and 550 miles of high speed back.

Somehow, on both legs of the journey in and out I had a pretty stiff head wind. About 30-40mph on the way to the park (Wyoming blows, lol), and a good 20 on the way back (Wyoming blows both ways apparently).

I have a '24 2.3L with a manual and it rolled over to 10k just about as a pulled into my driveway.

I just checked the oil, and it is about 8 oz (1/4 the distance between min/max) down from before the trip. I know that's not much in the grand scheme of things, but I have not noted any significant consumption in previous trips/oil changes (I'm on my second oil change right now). Though this one was particularly taxing due to headwinds @ interstate speeds.

Just looking for a sanity check that my gut feeling of "yeah, that poor little turbo engine worked real damn hard for 1100 miles so no wonder it burned a little oil when it hasn't before" is a reasonable position.

Definitely running hard against strong headwinds will have an impact on oil consumption, both from the increased temperatures that thins the oil a bit more as well as the constant boost raising pressures in the cylinders and increasing blow-by a small amount. If consumption returns to normal in everyday conditions I'd think you're fine.

 

[SHANUT]

I just got back from a 1500 mile road trip where I noted significantly increased oil consumption. About 550 miles out at 75-85 mph, 400 miles tooling around the park, and 550 miles of high speed back.

Somehow, on both legs of the journey in and out I had a pretty stiff head wind. About 30-40mph on the way to the park (Wyoming blows, lol), and a good 20 on the way back (Wyoming blows both ways apparently).

I have a '24 2.3L with a manual and it rolled over to 10k just about as a pulled into my driveway.

I just checked the oil, and it is about 8 oz (1/4 the distance between min/max) down from before the trip. I know that's not much in the grand scheme of things, but I have not noted any significant consumption in previous trips/oil changes (I'm on my second oil change right now). Though this one was particularly taxing due to headwinds @ interstate speeds.

Just looking for a sanity check that my gut feeling of "yeah, that poor little turbo engine worked real damn hard for 1100 miles so no wonder it burned a little oil when it hasn't before" is a reasonable position.

If it’s allowed to start burning oil, it will always burn oil.

 

[DeathValleyBob]

My 2.7l oil level was the same on the day of delivery as it was when I took it in for a 7000 mile oil change. ~3/8” above the full mark. Must have put in 8 quarts at the factory. Most of the 7000 miles were either on trail or on highways getting to a trail.

 

[wjtinfwb]

If it’s allowed to start burning oil, it will always burn oil.

Huh? Allowed? As in given permission?

 

[Brian_B]

If you have a catch can, check that. You'll probably crap your pants.

And if you don't... well... this would be a good excuse to get one.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Should be imeasurable oil consumption though pre 25 2.3 do need dirty side catch can at least and possible Radium baffle plate for optimal health. Doesnt matter if no plans for hih milage since Ford keeps refining Bronco to confortable daily experience almost makes a new one tempting when have massive discounts.

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