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Leeky · #11 19-07-09, 21:59

It sounds like your rocker cover is leaking to be honest with you. I would replace the rocker cover gasket with a genuine one and then see what happens in regards to oil consumption.

On another note, is your oil sump dry, or also leaking? The oil level sensor (used for the MID alarm check on oil level) is prone to leaking due to a worn out o ring seal. The sump gasket itself can also leak with age too.

As for oil consumption - In theory your car should not use any oil unless its a total loss oil system (e.g. 2 stroke engine). Engines with heavy mileage or wear can leak oil slightly though. I once had a Alfa Romeo that used to drink the stuff! I believe (from memory) that Vauxhalls official consumption figures are around 200ml for every 1,000km travelled. In contrast, we have a Saab 9-3 (1.9 TiD 150bhp model) thats now due its 72k service, thats has had its synthetic oil in for the last 15,000 miles that is still reading on the max mark - Its not been topped up once.

Another thing to consider is the oil you use. You should be using 10w40 semi synthetic. The engine will happily use other grades, but 0w and 5w grades are likely to leak. I had the same problem with our previous car. We spent mega money on Mobil Motorsport 0w40 synthetic and it ****ed it everywhere after we had taken the sump off and replaced the oil level sensor and sump gasket. We drained it and then filled it with GM 10w40 semi and it didnt leak once! Its something to consider.

dave's.veccy · #12 26-07-09, 14:26

I got a new Gen. rubber gasket for the r/c yesterday with the 10 small o rings for the bolts so thats next on the hit list

I did replace both sump gaskets last year with a modified type with some Fiat sump sealer and i also renewed the O ring for the MID as it was leaking from there so that is now sorted

My engine pasted the 164k mark last week so it is getting on now. With regards to oil, because i used to work for Vauxhall parts department many moons ago i still get 10w40 oil on trade and its generally cheaper than the local auto factor and a genuine filter is always used.