Hi,

Just wondering if any Abarth owners could let me know how much oil they're using from general use?

I seem to be putting quite a bit of oil in on a regular basis as everytime I check it's either below minimum or sometimes there's none on the dipstick at all! Obvioulsy this is a bit of a worry!!!

Over the last 6-8 weeks i think i must've put in about 6 litres of Oil! I can't see of any leaks anywhere so was wondering if this is normal?

Thanks

Yeah, mine seems to have spates of either drinking the stuff, or none at all.

Currently, it is drinking it - only had a service a few weeks back, but noted the oil level has been wavering past few days :chin:

I agree with Stuart it's an all or nothing situation (depends on how enthusiastic you drive as well ) What I also found was depending on how you inserted the dip stick (oo eer Mrs!!) you could have one side showing nothing and the other showing full. Turn it by 90 degrees upon insertion ( titter yee not) and it seems to even out the level.

My classic trick (not!!) was to think that the oil pressure gauge you can get up on the mini dash display was actually an oil level gauge. Thankfully I did check it before I ran out!! (and I've learned how to read)

My Abarth gets through a fair appetite of oil, far more than any of my previous (modern) cars have ever used; needs regular top ups. Last time it was serviced I got them to check for oil leaks, none found. Seems to be the norm, just keep the oil topped up and you'll be ok.

I'd be seriously concerned if my car was going through oil! That is no way normal. I would say that if there are no visual leaks then you could have a problem internally! If a car's burning oil then something isn't right. Have any of you tried any of the new fully synthetic long life oils? They don't degrade as quick as some of the normal FS oils.

Fiat states it can use 1 litre per 1000 miles. I reckon I've got through 2 litres in 6000 miles. As for 6 litres in 6 - 8 weeks I'd be a little concerned about it is using that much (unless you've done some serious miles). I seem to recall reading that cars that are running in tend to use quite a lot of oil and need to be regularly topped up. If the car is already run in then it could well have a leak, any signs of oil in the bay?

The Alfa guy who serviced my car last time said he couldn't find a leak and the car was probably burning a little. Quite normal with Fiats & Alfas he reckoned. I believe him and am not concerned.

What type of oil are you using, nothing too thin? You are probably safest sticking to the recommended weight although heavier oil may help to reduce consumption.

Mine's done 14.5K and doesn't seem to be using much at all at the moment.

Hmmm - I think I might take it round to my local Fiat garage and get them to give it a check.

I've been using that magnatec GTX(?) oil as thats all that was in the garage, but will be buying some better quality this week. However, I am doing quite a lot of miles - probably do 1000 every 2 weeks, have just done 6000 since I got in in May!!!

I had the underneath engine cover off this weekend and there was a bit of oil on that. It was directly under the oil filter too - so maybe that's pointing at the problem? I couldn't get anywhere near it to see if there was a leak (it's really buried in the middle of the engine bay isn't it! ) so I think a trip to the garage will be happening this week.

I noticed a few oil spots on the drive and have just had to put 1ltr of oil in (3000 miles since service) so thought that I had a slight engine oil leak. However, when I took it to the dealer they say they have traced the leak to the gearbox main shaft oil seal, so I guess my engine must be consuming oil as well... (never had an engine use 1ltr in 3000 miles before!)

All 16v or higher engines go through a bit of oil, its the nature of the beasts, they rev higher and there for burn a small amount of oil! A litre every 1000 miles is the worst you should hope for!

As for 6ltr's in as many weeks, well are you definately sure your checking your oil correctly? I mean you don't do it with a cold engine, or a hot engine! Warm engine, then let it sit for 30 mins and then check oil level! You get a more accurate indicator!

Don't want to fill your engine with too much oil, that'd be worse than running a little low.