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[DodgeyDave]

I seem to be burning oil at a rate of about 1 litre per 700 miles, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Tony H]

Any outward symptoms? smoke on start up or when you floor it are you sure its burning it and not an oil leak?

[DodgeyDave]

I have noticed some blue smoke on start up the other day, nothing i've noticed when i floor it though and no strong smell of burning oil until i spilt some on the block when refilling. I don't think it's a leak as i can't see any spillage on the ground where i park or any obvious leaks.

[Tony H]

Blue smoke on start up is classic valve stem oil seal failure  .

[Entwood]

mmm you show a 2.6 ....  not renowned for burning oil ... some 2.5s have a problem with stem seals if I recall correctly ...

Are you able to get a compresion test done ??

If not, if you run with the oil filler cap off, do you get a lot of blowback gases ??

When were the breathers last cleaned PROPERLY .. might be causing crank case pressure to rise ??

If all those are ok ... might be either a worn or sticking ring ... possible to try the old fashioned teaspoon of redex in each cylinder through the plug hole, leave to stand for 48 hours..   Sometimes cleans up any muck around the rings ...  but that was on older engines way back before fuel injection and detergent oils were invented !!!

[DodgeyDave]

Is that gonna be an easy fix and does anyone know if there's a guide on this site anywhere.

[Abiton]

How many miles has the engine done?

[Andy B]

mmm you show a 2.6 ....  not renowned for burning oil ... some 2.5s have a problem with stem seals if I recall correctly ... .......

It's the early 2.6s that valve stem seal problems.   

[DodgeyDave]

car is an 03 plate but it had a new engine in 2 years ago it was supplied and fitted by vauxhall and has only done 40k since, unfortunately its out of its warranty.

[Entwood]

mmm you show a 2.6 ....  not renowned for burning oil ... some 2.5s have a problem with stem seals if I recall correctly ... .......

It's the early 2.6s that valve stem seal problems.   

Ah well ... wrong again ....    Sorry ...

[Martin_1962]

Have you checked the cam covers?

[shyboy]

My 2001 2.6 estate is suffering from dogy valve stem seals which produces a large puff of blue smoke on start-up but not when running. I suspect this is the most likely cause in your case, (subject to all other tests, of course).
Not a major problem initially but is bound to get worse, I suppose. Just watch your oil consumption like a hawk.

[JamesV6CDX]

My 2001 2.6 estate is suffering from dogy valve stem seals which produces a large puff of blue smoke on start-up but not when running. I suspect this is the most likely cause in your case, (subject to all other tests, of course).
Not a major problem initially but is bound to get worse, I suppose. Just watch your oil consumption like a hawk.

Shyboy... how are you??!

Excellent to hear from you. I Remember we discussed this problem on your car some years ago now. Is it any worse?

If we can arrange something convenient, you're welcome to leave the car with me over the summer for a week or two and I'll happily do your stem seals. No significant cost, just something to keep me out of trouble   

[shyboy]

Hi James,
Apart from a hip operation, subsequent pulmonary embolism and ongoing angina, I couldn't be better thanks.  . Seriously, I'm fine now, thanks.
I was going to say 'you can't be serious', but knowing what a superbly generous and philanthropic person you are, I know you really mean it. In order not to hijack this thread, I'll PM you tomorrow, if that's OK.
Great to hear from you.
Bill.

[Martin_1962]

Valve stem seals is not a bad job, good time to change oil cooler and thermostat as well