Minimac Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 I have a 2009 dodge journey r/t with 35000 miles. I have noticed that before the next oil change is due the oil level will be so low it doesn't show up on the dip stick anymore. I have also found what appears to be oil in the ends of the exhaust pipes. Is this normal? I have not seen any smoke from the engine or exhaust or smelled an oil burning smell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtsr Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 I have a 2009 dodge journey r/t with 35000 miles. I have noticed that before the next oil change is due the oil level will be so low it doesn't show up on the dip stick anymore. I have also found what appears to be oil in the ends of the exhaust pipes. Is this normal? I have not seen any smoke from the engine or exhaust or smelled an oil burning smell. Has it ever needed top up of oil between changes since you have owned it? Is there oil on the ground/floor where you park? Three reason oil can be used during operation: 1.PCV(positive crankcase ventilation) valve is stuck open in which case you will find raw oil in the intake breather box. 2.Piston rings are not sealing properly. 3.Valve guides are worn/faulty. The dipstick showing no reading is definitely not normal at your low milage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minimac Posted November 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 Yes it needs to have the oil topped off before the next oil change. No I have not seen any oil in the garage floor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtsr Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 (edited) Well the next thing is check the air filter/breather box for oil, if it's wet with oil inside then replace the PCV valve and if it's not that may indicate the need for further tests by a good mechanic. When I think about it if the was going thru the breather it would become part of the combustion process and probably result in smokey exhaust. If you have raw oil in the exhaust pipes you would see it dripping out the condensation drain holes usually found in the mufflers. Is there any residue at the mufflers? If there is it's not burning it. Edited December 1, 2011 by bigtsr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryl Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 You are not alone in your disappearing oil problem mine does it also with no noticeable smoke or leaks I have the engine oil cooler & thought it might have something to do with that as it runs fine I use synthetic oil and the larger 899 Mopar oil filter so who knows Things that make you go hmmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerSmitty Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 (edited) Mine has been doing the same thing. I usually change the oil every 5,000 miles, but I haven't been able to go that long because it uses it so fast. I just had the oil changed at the dealer after 4,000 miles…it was down from 6 quarts to 3 quarts. I have no visible leaks anywhere. The dealer said they would contact Dodge to see if they've heard anything. If they don't get a response, then I'm going to contact them. Update: The Dodge dealer took our Journey and checked it out based on things to look for from Dodge. PCV was fine, so was breather and intake. They started it up in the am (cold start) and saw a little smoke out the exhaust. They ended up replacing all the valve seals (24 of them). Covered under powertrain warranty. Guess we'll find out in 4,000 miles if it's fixed. Another Update: Replacing the valve seals did nothing. It was still down quarts after 4,000 miles. Dealer wants me to bring it in every 1,000 miles to look to see when it starts using it. Now I need to find time to do that. :-( Edited April 26, 2012 by JerSmitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carguy1709 Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 The first thing to check would be the PCV valve. One of my older cars had the same problem and the mechanic change the PCV valve and now its fine, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtsr Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 I at one time had a Plymouth Voyageur with bad valve GUIDES which caused high oil usage with no visible signs. Carguy1709 is right about the PCV valve system causing a similar problem which is sometimes the source of oil residue in the air cleaner box assy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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