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Updated #2, found a leak - losing lots of oil rather quickly

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  #11  
Old 03-21-2007 | 03:47 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

ORIGINAL: acetrebo

Thats a possibility, the syn has smaller molecules. If the car has always run regular oil since the beggining, switching to synthetic could cause some seepage.

I would try changing the oil again, back to normal 5w30, non-syn, whatever audi reccomends for your vehicle. You dont need syn since you are not turbo, the 0w40 weight is not neccesary either.

I have a similar issue with my 300zx. It always ran reg before I bought it, and when I put synthetic in it, it started leaking oil around the cam and crank seals.
The audi dealership mechanic suggested 0w40 to me. The m3 owner I talked to switched to 15w50 and he isn't losing oil any more. Do you think its a problem that its leaking out somewhere or do you think its too thin for what it was designed for? As in, if 5w30 doesn't leak, am I ignoring a problem?
 
  #12  
Old 03-21-2007 | 04:09 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

0w40 is an approved oil I believe.

Check your manual for the proper viscosity, to get a reference. I would try changing the oil to a 5w30 non-synthetic (as long as its in the manual) and keep a close eye on it.

If it still is losing oil after that, then you definitely have a small hard to find leak somewhere.

 
  #13  
Old 03-21-2007 | 04:23 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

ORIGINAL: DZA

ORIGINAL: 18T

get the car checked out by someone who doesnt have to stab the oil filter with a screwdriver.
thanks for all the help, you guys are great! </sarcasm>
lol had to say it.
 
  #14  
Old 03-21-2007 | 04:26 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

ORIGINAL: 18T

ORIGINAL: DZA

ORIGINAL: 18T

get the car checked out by someone who doesnt have to stab the oil filter with a screwdriver.
thanks for all the help, you guys are great! </sarcasm>
lol had to say it.
lol... touche
 
  #15  
Old 03-21-2007 | 04:29 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

ORIGINAL: acetrebo

0w40 is an approved oil I believe.

Check your manual for the proper viscosity, to get a reference. I would try changing the oil to a 5w30 non-synthetic (as long as its in the manual) and keep a close eye on it.

If it still is losing oil after that, then you definitely have a small hard to find leak somewhere.

I was always told that its bad to go from fully syn back to non-syn? I'll definitely change it to 5 or 10w 30 but I was leaning towards fully syn b/c of what i've been told.
 
  #16  
Old 03-21-2007 | 04:33 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

0W/40 is what the turbo likes or better and changing to lower grade crap isn't recommended, keep it full synth but the lower type should be at least 5W/30 semi synth just keep a better eye on it in the future like weekly
 
  #17  
Old 03-21-2007 | 05:00 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

Dave, he's non turbo. 2003 3.0 engine.
 
  #18  
Old 03-21-2007 | 05:02 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

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I was always told that its bad to go from fully syn back to non-syn? I'll definitely change it to 5 or 10w 30 but I was leaning towards fully syn b/c of what i've been told.
I have not heard that before, but switching back after 1 oil change isn't going to hurt you.

Do you know what the PO was running in it? Or do you not have any record?
 
  #19  
Old 03-21-2007 | 05:06 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

none turbo then go with 5W/30 semi synth because its better than 10W/40 and the hydraulic lifters love it because its a much better grade and better suited to modern cars
 
  #20  
Old 03-21-2007 | 05:09 PM
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Default RE: Losing a lot of oil rather quickly

ORIGINAL: acetrebo

ORIGINAL: DZA



I was always told that its bad to go from fully syn back to non-syn? I'll definitely change it to 5 or 10w 30 but I was leaning towards fully syn b/c of what i've been told.
I have not heard that before, but switching back after 1 oil change isn't going to hurt you.

Do you know what the PO was running in it? Or do you not have any record?
I asked her and she said, "I don't know but it cost me 17 bucks"... I changed the oil the following day. 17 bucks when the filter cost me 10 bucks... we're looking at a dollar a quart... i'm sure it was AWESOME oil.

The old oil was a touch foamy.
 


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