Originally Posted By: Kuato
TiredTrucker, you're a smart man.
IndyFan I hear ya. Even though the 3.8 has oil issues, have you tried a different brand to see if it helps consumption? M1 is good stuff, but has a history of more usage in some vehicles.
Yes, different brands and weights. The best have been M1 EP 5w30, 10w30, and M1 0w40. I've run Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline Syntec, and Pennzoil Ultra. Same results. The biggest difference has been in replacing the PCV valve, but the most recent PCV change made no difference. I ran conventional Pennzoil for about 1k miles and it used over a quart. That's the only conventional it has seen outside of the factory fill. Up to 40k, I used Mobil 1 5w20 for most of that first 40k, with no useage at all.
Mostly I've run 6000 mile OCI's, which is the longest permitted int he owner's manual and with the OLM.
I've been sorely tempted to try M1 15w50, but can't quite bring myself to do it.
I think it is either going to run past 200k and drink a lot of oil, or it will get to a point where it needs some major work. I'm doing everything I can to avoid that, though. Chrysler should thank me.
This is a VERY common issue to the 3.8, in the minivans, too. Chrysler has rebuilt MANY of these under warranty, especially in 2007 and 2008 Jeeps.