'02 Liberty using oil

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gdlgiii

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I am wondering what I need to check on my Jeep to find out why it's using oil where once a month I have to top it off with half a quart to little over. I neglected checking it for almost 2 months and it was a whole quart low! The jeep is driven about 100 miles a week max. I have checked for leaks everywhere, no white smoke coming out of tailpipe and valve covers look okay - some old caked oil on bottom of drivers side valve cover. Its not a lot.
I use Quaker State 5W30 as recommended type in owners manual. It has about 125k miles on it.

Thanks!
 

Porkchop

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You could start by checking the spark plugs and even a compression test at the same time.
 

uss2defiant

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Hey. I have an 03 liberty 3.7L too and having the same issue as you except my oil consumption is a lot worse than you. It's been half a quart a week.

I'm trying the replacing the PCV valve first, to see whether it solves the oil issue. I'll be trying the compression test later if it doesnt work.

I just changed my PCV valve tonight but tore into the hose at the ends a little. Holding it up w/ zip ties at the end till the morning when I can get a replacement hose.
 

gdlgiii

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Thanks! I had the plugs replaced a few months ago and the mechanic didnt mention any issue with oil on the plugs. Will see about scheduling a compression test though. Thanks!
 

hmmrdwn

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Sons 2002 puffs occasionally on start up. Plugs were clean. 130,000 miles and uses a quart every 3,000. Not too bad.
 

gdlgiii

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Update on this post:
I started keeping a journal when she started driving to college each day and since the distance is a lot farther and traffic a little more congested, I noticed that about every 300 miles or so, it is using anywhere from half a quart to 3/4 of a quart of oil. I see no smoke coming out of tailpipe and performed one of those tests where it checks for oil in the radiator fluid and it came back negative. Really perplexed on this and want to get it fixed before she goes off to college in FL in a couple of years and not have to worry about engine damage when she is 10 hours away.
 

LibertyTC

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As mentioned replace the PCV and use a hair dryer :icon_idea: to heat up the hose etc before you twist, pry or poke LOL. This prevents the sound of snap & tear.
If that does not work add a half a bottle of this to the oil...
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This will reduce oil consumption by 1/2 +:Whoa: if your stem seals or rings are wearing!
 

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gdlgiii

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I just replaced the PCV valve earlier today and will see of that makes a difference. Thanks for the info!
 

Sdavis82

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After a long cold night watch the tail pipe when someone else starts it. I get the lightest puff of smoke on start up and that is it but it's enough to use a quart between oil changes

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
 

tjkj2002

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Update on this post:
I started keeping a journal when she started driving to college each day and since the distance is a lot farther and traffic a little more congested, I noticed that about every 300 miles or so, it is using anywhere from half a quart to 3/4 of a quart of oil. I see no smoke coming out of tailpipe and performed one of those tests where it checks for oil in the radiator fluid and it came back negative. Really perplexed on this and want to get it fixed before she goes off to college in FL in a couple of years and not have to worry about engine damage when she is 10 hours away.
On newer engines your most likely not ever going to see that blue smoke unless it's using 2-3qts per day.The cats will burn it pretty good to show no signs.


If the PCV valve doesn't help it's time for piston rings and valve guide seals,basically time to rebuild the engine.
 

gdlgiii

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Wow. I hope the PCV valve works..only had the vehicle for almost 2 years and only paid about 5grand for it. Sounds like that could set me back another grand or two.
 

uss2defiant

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Sorry you missed my initial post about the PCV from back in July.
It fixed the issue for me right from the get-go but now I'm monitoring how it fares between oil changes.
 

gdlgiii

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Jeep Liberty consuming oil

Thanks for the update. I have been keeping a log on how much oil it's been using and how often so with the PCV valve replaced will see if it is less frequent in topping off.
 

gdlgiii

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Update since the PCV valve was replaced at 119,553 miles: Better gas mileage BUT oil consumption is using almost a full quart every 360 miles or so. I think that is still bad. Jeep now has 120,540 miles on it.
I am using QuakerState 5W30 oil and no blue smoke coming out of tailpipe, no oil dripping from vehicle. I have heard about certain engines that were manufactured in Mexico that had the piston rings installed upsidedown (?).
 

uss2defiant

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yeah my PCV valve wasn't a full fix but it was eating up as much oil. Now I'm using a quart so far at 1500 miles.

I'm considering using some engine oil additives now, STP or Lucas oil after using some STP multipurpose cleaner to get rid of some sludge. Was going to try the multipurpose cleaner but wifey forgot to put it in before the oil change.
 

gdlgiii

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I wish I was burning a quart every 1500 miles. Mine is like every 300 to 375 miles.
 

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