Dear Tom,
I’m having trouble with my 2001 Chevy Lumina with a 3.1-liter engine. It is losing oil at an alarming rate (a quart a week) and there is a loud knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. I change the oil every four months. What could be wrong?
John from Lockport, N.Y.
John,
This engine obviously has an internal problem causing the noise and oil loss. The knocking suggests that there is a rod or main bearing wearing out. This could have happened because the engine is consuming oil at such a fast rate that it simply ran out of oil in the crankcase. As for the oil loss? You probably have worn piston rings resulting in oil consumption. Have a compression test and cylinder leak-down test performed to see where air is escaping the engine internally. After you have the test results you can make an informed decision. Best to you.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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