Technical Punto HGT using too much oil

[eXtreme]

Hellow

My punto HGT 1.8 16V mk2b is using 2 much oil.
When i bought it it had 65k km and i did oil change and i noticed that every 1000km uses 0,6-0,8L oil. Oil was Shell Helix Plus 10w40.
Then i found out that i should use Shell Helix Ultra 5w40, so on next service i changed oil to Ultra 5w40 and its a litle beter, every 1000km uses 0,4-0,6L oil or even less, depends on driving style and where i am driving.
Ok i'we heard that these machines are sensitive about oil and that i should use selenia oil, but i work at shell dealer so i get it a lot cheaper so i want to use shell oil.
So is the problem in machine or in oil?

By the way, tha car does not do any "black" smoke from exaust.

M

 

[fingers99]

Well, 1 litre/1000 miles is generally considered "reasonable" in Alfa/FIAT twin cam engines.

You might try a dry and wet compression test, but I'd not worry overmuch.

 

[eXtreme]

I still think that 0,5l /1000km is still too much..

 

[fingers99]

So do a wet and dry compression test.

But, a kilometer = 5/8 of a mile, so 0.4litres /1000k is perfectly reasonable. The old twin cam engines use a fair bit of oil -- providing everything else is OK I'd not worry overmuch, just keep an eye on it.

 

[fingers99]

I just chanced upon a copy of the Cinquecento handbook. For all models (700 - 1108) it says maximum oil consumption 0.7 litres/1000 kilometers (if more, see your FIAT dealer).

So I'm inclined to think your car is fine. As I say, the old FIAT/Alfa twin cams do have an entirely deserved reputation for using more oil than most.

 

[JLenno]

If you're still worried, 15w 40 or 20w50 Like to see it burn that

 

[eXtreme]

I had before 1.2 8V punto and in 20k km service terminal it used ONLY 0,2-0,4L oil.. that's why it wierd to me.

From shell expert in slovenia i got different opinions, some said that i should put 15w40 and some 5w40... because on shell webpage i found information that for my type i should use 5w40 i am using shell ultra 5w40, its better than 10w 40 now.. will see, some said that car needs to do some driving and that than it will be better, i hope it will, oil is not cheap

 

[Punto_Pete]

there's nothing wrong with your oil consumption. in the uk, 10w40 is the recommended grade. i'm currently using mobil super s, but have used shell, selina, castrol and miller's and some different grades. brand of oil won't make much difference as long as its good quality, its the grade thats important.

if u want to reduce oil consumption then you'll have to relace the piston rings with uprated ones...

 

[Jack Smith]

hello, i've read the messages above.
i have the same "problem" - im using AGIP 5W40 SM . and my HGT consume 1 liter/1800 km.
is it normal?
thanks

jack

 

[MikeSalt]

If you're still worried, 15w 40 or 20w50 Like to see it burn that

Don't do this. With a cold weight higher than 10w, it is going to take an absolute age for the engine to get hot enough for the oil to flow properly. Cold weight should be 10w maximum, 5w is better to minimise cold variator wear.

As for the hot weight, go as high as you like, minimum being 40. Of course, higher weight will create more drag, but will give fantastic protection. Just look at the prices of these wide-range oils first though, and their lifetimes are pretty short.

 

[DaveMcT]

As Mike says cold weight no higher than 10W and hot weight no lower than 40. For reasonable service costs 5w40 or 10w40 is acceptable.

the variator is very sensitive to a slow oil feed when cold. If the car has 15 or 20 in the sump it needs to be changed ASAP. At the top w40 is good w50 is better w60 is fab but costs get silly.

 

[eXtreme]

Just for info, if it helps.. i tried Shell Helix Ultra Racing 10w60, its the same sh*t as Shell Ultra 5w40, so don-t bother to pay more