Polo GTI High Oil Usage - Discussion Thread

[Scott01]

Hi Guys,

I've had high oil use issues too - added 1-1.5L+ at 1900, 3500 and 4800 KMs. Now at 7000 KMs, will check again, but seems to be settling down.

If it's still an issue, I'll get the dealer to do a consumption test, but even if that confirms it's too high - what's the best outcome?
Sounds like some have been through this and had new piston rings etc., but these don't fix the problem?

Cheers,
Scott

---------- Post added 15-12-2011 at 10:14 AM ---------- Previous post was 13-12-2011 at 01:25 PM ----------

Hmm... Just checked my oil. at 7000kms, at the bottom of the dipstick (below low, no oil light. yet).

Think it's time to book in for the oil consumption test.

Looks like it's consistently using ~600ml / 1000km.

1900km - added 300mls
2600km - added 2L
4900km - added 1.3L
7000km - at the bottom of the dipstick, which probably means it's down 1-1.3L

So assuming the consumption test confirms it's over 500ml/1000kms - what's the options, what should I be pushing the dealer to do about it? Obviously want it fixed (atleast to the point where i don't have maintain the oil so regularly) - but what solutions do they offer, and how likely are these to fix it?

From what people have said about lips of the cylinder blocks in first 100kms, does this mean things like new piston rings etc. or whatever else is offered has a low success rate of fixing this issue?

I know a few have discussed in the thread already, but any insights given my results are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

[RoknRob]

I'm not sure you have much of a choice, Scott.

Given it will be "fixed" under warranty, the dealer will likely confer with VAG and together they will decide on the course of action.
It seems that the first thing they try is a piston ring replacement.

The only thing you can do, as far as I'm aware, is keep an eye on it after each attempt to rectify the problem.

[prcurrie]

821kms in and just checked the oil, it's just on the top notch so it's definitely used some - but not a lot.

However, looks like my catalytic converter just shat itself. Car felt funny tonight (sluggish & slight misfire) and then as soon as I pulled into the driveway, the light came on!

Back I go...........

[RoknRob]

821kms in and just checked the oil, it's just on the top notch so it's definitely used some - but not a lot.

However, looks like my catalytic converter just shat itself. Car felt funny tonight (sluggish & slight misfire) and then as soon as I pulled into the driveway, the light came on!

Back I go...........

Unbelievable!!!

[ATYPIC]

I have now rolled 11K and decided to post my findings.

- 4000km - added 1L
- 7000km - added 1L

On both occasions it was at the bottom of the stick or close to it. After my Melbourne -- Gold Coast -- Melbourne drive I have checked the oil and it has not moved one bit from where it should be on the stick.

I'm keeping the fingers crossed but I honestly believe this long continuous drive has settled the engine. Not only this, but the car is running so much smoother than it was before.

[dav]

hey Scott, I had the same issue and only solution they will offer is a replacement of all your piston rings. The replacement rings will be the new "revised" ones. It has stopped my oil usage so far, I've driven about 3000Km since the replacement and haven't topped up yet.

I do hope the cat converter holds up from the litres of burnt oil fumes that have gone through it :/

[Scott01]

Ah, ok. Yeah just wondering what to expect. Dav, 3000kms after new rings sounds promising at least. Got my consumption test next wk so see how it goes.

[crumbs]

Hey guys, I'm having oil problems too.. I got the orange light at 2500km and 6800km. Had two top-ups now, but both times done by VW so not sure how much they put in. Is this normal??

The guy recommended getting a piston check done -- I assume this will be free of cost considering it's only a 6 month old car?

[PatoriaN]

Okay so I finally had my booking with VW.

So a recap, I have done 1900 and my check oil light came on. I took it down, they checked it, and said that it is burning above the average but cant do anything until I hit 5000 km's as the engine gets run in.

They said VW wont cover it under warranty until I hit 5000 km's as it should settle down, if it doesn't then they will definitely look into it as it is above the average 500ml per 1000 kms - (1.2 litres for 1900) and it would be an issue.

One thing that they said was it wasn't actually on super low or empty when the light came on, I was told it comes on when you burn 800 ml worth. So it wasn't as bad as i first thought, but it is still quite high. They also said to come in for a top up whenever I need to.

Once it hits 5000 kms they will run a oil test on it and repair it if its above ratio outlined above.

So end result - they acknowledged the issue but wont fix it until 5000 kms (because its likely to magically disappear).

[dav]

Hey guys, I'm having oil problems too.. I got the orange light at 2500km and 6800km. Had two top-ups now, but both times done by VW so not sure how much they put in. Is this normal??

The guy recommended getting a piston check done -- I assume this will be free of cost considering it's only a 6 month old car?

Yup it is covered under warranty and you should be getting a courtesy car for your troubles. Start the ball rolling on the oil consumption test as it requires you driving another 1000km and then returning to the dealer for the results.