Passat r36 oil consumption

**Gerzos** · 09-05-2023, 07:24 PM

Hi all I have an r36 Passat. It's got 214,000km on it. Love it to bits. Done timing chains and replaced the gearbox already. Also did the flywheel. however I'm losing oil. Don't notice any blue smoke etc. Service history is great. Last interval I burnt around 500ml in 10,000km. But I checked today and I've done about 3000km since oil change and had to put in 500ml. Seems excessive. Using 5w30. Are these motors prone to oil burning?

**MIG** · 09-05-2023, 07:29 PM

Few people on here with BWS engines, so I am sure they will chime in.

With mine, I don't lose any oil between services, but it is way lower KMs than yours, 150kkm, places I would check valve cover gasket leaks and PCV valve leaks; if you did the chains and gearbox, I am guessing the rear main seal was done at the same time?

**Gerzos** · 09-05-2023, 07:31 PM

Yes rear main seal was done. Also in pretty sure pcv was done. I've also replaced the whole valve cover as the existed one kept leaking.

**kamold** · 09-05-2023, 07:55 PM

You can try a 5w40 see if the extra viscosity helps.
You can still stick with VW approved though there are only a few available on the market. Liquimoly and Nulon off the top of my head but don't quote me.

**Gerzos** · 09-05-2023, 07:58 PM

Okay. Can I use 5w40 as a top up even though it was serviced with 5w30?

Cheers!

**Gerzos** · 09-05-2023, 08:03 PM

also. Cant seem to find any 5w40 with VW approval 504/507

Hope this thicker oil can slow down consumption. Not really keen on replacing piston rings or valve steam seals.

**lloydus67** · 09-05-2023, 08:08 PM

Any oil is better than no oil.
However I would probably stick with the oil that you have to top up, if you run out that is different.
Next oil change, go to the 40 weight oil
The reason that you can’t find 504/507 spec oils is that that specification is 5w30 and it is designed for Europe. You will not find a 5w40 or 10w40 but you will find it in 502/505 VW spec

Sent from me

**Gerzos** · 09-05-2023, 09:07 PM

Ok thank you. Will try the 5w40 nylon this week and see how I go.

**h100vw** · 09-05-2023, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by Gerzos

Ok thank you. Will try the 5w40 nylon this week and see how I go.

There's no law that says an engine shouldn't use any oil. Some are way better than others. I would just top up when it needs it and not lose any sleep. I can't think of a car I have owned in nearly 40 years of driving that didn't use some oil between services.