2020 ES 350 burning oil quickly?

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing a quart of oil consumption over 3,000 miles in a 2020 Lexus ES 350 with 40k miles is a noticeable amount, though some engines do consume a small amount of oil. Here's what could be happening and what to do:

Causes:

• Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve: A clogged or faulty PCV valve is a common cause of increased oil consumption. It can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals or into the intake.
• Valve Stem Seals: Worn or hardened valve stem seals can allow oil to seep into the combustion chambers, especially during engine startup or deceleration.
• Piston Rings: Worn or stuck piston rings can allow oil to bypass into the combustion chamber, where it's burned off.
• Minor External Leaks: Even if you don't see puddles, small leaks (e.g., valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket) can evaporate on hot engine components before reaching the ground.

Steps:

1. Monitor Closely: Top off the oil to the full mark. Record the mileage and monitor consumption over a fixed period or mileage (e.g., every 500-1000 miles). This will help establish a consistent consumption rate.
2. Inspect/Replace PCV Valve: The PCV valve is a relatively inexpensive part and a common culprit. It's worth inspecting for clogs or replacing if it seems faulty.
3. Thorough Visual Inspection: Have a mechanic perform a detailed inspection for any subtle oil leaks, especially around the valve covers, oil pan, and front/rear main seals.

When to see a shop: If your oil consumption consistently remains at or above 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles, or if you start noticing blue smoke from the exhaust (especially on startup or acceleration), it's highly recommended to take your ES 350 to a professional. A shop can perform a compression test, leak-down test, or bore scope inspection to assess the internal health of your engine and identify the root cause of the consumption.