Increased Oil Use Following Liqui Moly

[julianzk]

Before heading down to Florida for the summer, I decided to switch from Mobil 1 0W-40, which I have always used in New England, to Liqui Moly 5w40, after hearing nothing but good things about it.

I just did my annual trip from Massachusetts to Florida and checked the oil level; according to the onboard computer, I need to add 1 gallon of oil to get to the maximum level. Never in 1,300 miles after an oil change has this occurred to me with Mobil1. Typically, I do need to add a little closer to the 5-7k mark because of some leaks I have.

Is this oil something anyone else has experienced? Under the engine, I did not see any obvious oil leaks that could have caused a loss of 1 quart.

Another thing: I had heard nothing but praise for Liqui Molly, particularly about how it made running easier and quieter, but that was definitely not the case for me.

Have you any ideas?

[harper.castillocp]

After making the change from Mobil 1 to LM, the engine became much smoother. Because of my own leaks, I am unable to comment on your oil consumption. With these cars, according to my mechanic, a quart every 1,500 miles is about average. Is there any blue smoke visible, either during startup or otherwise?

[julianzk]

Engine starts without blue smoke.
Based on my observations over the past 5-6 years, it is common for me to need to add 1-1.5 quarts of Mobil1 every 5-7k miles. It shocked me by consuming the Liqui Moly so rapidly after just 1,300 miles on the road.

[harper.castillocp]

These are old vehicles that might have a plethora of problems, so I won't say much more. Although it consumes oil, I don't let that bother me; I change it every 3,000 miles. Performance, which LM appears to enhance, is of greater concern. I just replaced a leaking valve cover gasket, and it appears to have drastically reduced consumption—to the point where it's at zero after 1,000 miles. YMMV.

[gabrielmurphylo]

After running your finger around the tailpipes, how dirty is it? Normal is ashy soot, bad is oily residue. Take a look at the plugs by pulling them out. The increase in oil consumption was caused, according to Rube Goldberg, by deposits clogging the tiny valve cover breather passages after LM cleaned the engine's interior.

Is it more common to use the onboard display to indicate the amount of oil (7.5 quarts, for example) or to wait for the warning before adding oil? I noticed the 210's add oil warning. On this 211, I have not yet.

Have you filled it up to the same level? I believe LM and M1 are both sold in 5-liter and 5-quart jugs, respectively. After 1300 miles, you would have used 1.6 quarts (or one quart plus twenty ounces) of LM if you added 8 measures.

[harper.castillocp]

Very valid points. Clear is good, on the one hand. However, if a flush or oil with strong cleaning agents removes carbon debris from an unclean engine, the debris can clog components, resulting in reduced mileage or even engine failure. When you use a powerful cleaner on an unclean engine, it could clog the breather.

Is it known that LM offers cleaners and detergents that work better than M1?

[harper.castillocp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thszl7visBU

[harper.castillocp]

Much writing has been done on the subject.

[harper.castillocp]

do certain engine oils clean engine deposits to a point of those deposits clogging engine components? Are there studies?