2nd gen burning oil? Need some advice

I’ve got a 2nd gen (4.0L V6) with what I’d call relatively low miles… only around 430k. For the past 150k or so, it’s been burning about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is when I usually do my oil changes. Had the head gasket replaced by a mechanic around 100k ago and they didn’t find anything obvious. I read on this forum that PCV valves are a common issue, so I swapped mine out a few weeks back, but no luck.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Should I be worried or just keep driving it? I’d love to get this truck to 500k because otherwise, it’s running great.

With those “low” miles, I wouldn’t stress. Just keep it topped off and it’ll hit 500k easy.

Will said:
With those “low” miles, I wouldn’t stress. Just keep it topped off and it’ll hit 500k easy.

Thanks, that’s what I’ve been doing. I check and top it off every time I get gas. No big deal so far.

Daphne said:

Will said:
With those “low” miles, I wouldn’t stress. Just keep it topped off and it’ll hit 500k easy.

Thanks, that’s what I’ve been doing. I check and top it off every time I get gas. No big deal so far.

Honestly, after half a million miles, those piston rings have earned a rest.

430k miles is “relatively low”? My 2007 must be barely broken in then. :joy:

Amir said:
430k miles is “relatively low”? My 2007 must be barely broken in then. :joy:

It’s a lot, but some folks just have the perfect driving conditions and keep up with maintenance.

eucabeth said:

Amir said:
430k miles is “relatively low”? My 2007 must be barely broken in then. :joy:

It’s a lot, but some folks just have the perfect driving conditions and keep up with maintenance.

Nah, 430k is never “low.” I think OP’s just joking around.

Amir said:

eucabeth said:
Amir said:
430k miles is “relatively low”? My 2007 must be barely broken in then. :joy:

It’s a lot, but some folks just have the perfect driving conditions and keep up with maintenance.

Nah, 430k is never “low.” I think OP’s just joking around.

Definitely tongue-in-cheek and maybe a bit of a humble brag.

Jason said:

Amir said:
eucabeth said:
Amir said:
430k miles is “relatively low”? My 2007 must be barely broken in then. :joy:

It’s a lot, but some folks just have the perfect driving conditions and keep up with maintenance.

Nah, 430k is never “low.” I think OP’s just joking around.

Definitely tongue-in-cheek and maybe a bit of a humble brag.

You got it :sweat_smile:

Ophelia said:
430k… :sweat_smile:

Must be a lemon, better take it back to the dealer.

Ophelia said:
430k… :sweat_smile:

She’s just going through her teenage years. A little rebellious but still kicking.

Congrats on those miles! Mine’s at 299,300 and should hit 300k next week. My truck isn’t burning oil yet, thankfully. Had an old Ford Fiesta that burned a quart of oil every time I filled up. Called it my spy car because it would blow out a huge smoke cloud when starting up. Those days are long gone!

CorollaChris4 said:
Congrats on those miles! Mine’s at 299,300 and should hit 300k next week. My truck isn’t burning oil yet, thankfully. Had an old Ford Fiesta that burned a quart of oil every time I filled up. Called it my spy car because it would blow out a huge smoke cloud when starting up. Those days are long gone!

Haha, that’s awesome! Thanks for the laugh. See you in the half-a-million club soon!

I’d clean up the engine bay and check for leaks. Spray some degreaser, clean it up, and see if anything’s dripping. Check the plugs too, maybe oil’s getting in there. You did the head gasket, but what about valve cover gaskets? With 430k, it’s probably just normal wear, so if it’s manageable, keep topping it off.

fortuna said:
I’d clean up the engine bay and check for leaks. Spray some degreaser, clean it up, and see if anything’s dripping. Check the plugs too, maybe oil’s getting in there. You did the head gasket, but what about valve cover gaskets? With 430k, it’s probably just normal wear, so if it’s manageable, keep topping it off.

Thanks for the tips. I’ll check underneath and the plugs since they’re due for a change anyway. I’m okay with how it’s running, just a bit paranoid since I love this truck. I guess it’s just part of having an older vehicle. Appreciate the advice!

Daphne said:
I’ve got a 2nd gen (4.0L V6) with what I’d call relatively low miles… only around 430k. For the past 150k or so, it’s been burning about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is when I usually do my oil changes. Had the head gasket replaced by a mechanic around 100k ago and they didn’t find anything obvious. I read on this forum that PCV valves are a common issue, so I swapped mine out a few weeks back, but no luck.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Should I be worried or just keep driving it? I’d love to get this truck to 500k because otherwise, it’s running great.

I’m at 340k and in the same boat. Burns about a quart between oil changes.

Daphne said:
I’ve got a 2nd gen (4.0L V6) with what I’d call relatively low miles… only around 430k. For the past 150k or so, it’s been burning about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is when I usually do my oil changes. Had the head gasket replaced by a mechanic around 100k ago and they didn’t find anything obvious. I read on this forum that PCV valves are a common issue, so I swapped mine out a few weeks back, but no luck.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Should I be worried or just keep driving it? I’d love to get this truck to 500k because otherwise, it’s running great.

Looks like your truck is just paying its oil tax to the gods now.

Daphne said:
I’ve got a 2nd gen (4.0L V6) with what I’d call relatively low miles… only around 430k. For the past 150k or so, it’s been burning about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is when I usually do my oil changes. Had the head gasket replaced by a mechanic around 100k ago and they didn’t find anything obvious. I read on this forum that PCV valves are a common issue, so I swapped mine out a few weeks back, but no luck.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Should I be worried or just keep driving it? I’d love to get this truck to 500k because otherwise, it’s running great.

At 430k, I’d be shocked if it didn’t burn a little oil. If it’s not leaking or smoking, I’d say you’re good to go.

Daphne said:
I’ve got a 2nd gen (4.0L V6) with what I’d call relatively low miles… only around 430k. For the past 150k or so, it’s been burning about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is when I usually do my oil changes. Had the head gasket replaced by a mechanic around 100k ago and they didn’t find anything obvious. I read on this forum that PCV valves are a common issue, so I swapped mine out a few weeks back, but no luck.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Should I be worried or just keep driving it? I’d love to get this truck to 500k because otherwise, it’s running great.

Change the PCV valve after your next oil change. Should help a bit.