[SPATL]

My '99 9-5 Base had a problem with increased oil consumption. I was about to do the updated PCV valve when saab took it off the shelves. I had been running Mobil1 full synthetic 10w-30, or 0w-40. Both of which were consumed at about the same interval. Being I was going through a $5 quart of oil very quickly, I opted to do a Castol semi-synth 10w-30 at the last oil change. NO MORE OIL CONSUMPTION.

While this is good(decreasing oil consumption), I am concerned of a possible other problem like sludging?
Anyone have similar experiences or any thoughts on the subject?

 

[Chris 9-5]

While this is good(decreasing oil consumption), I am concerned of a possible other problem like sludging?
Anyone have similar experiences or any thoughts on the subject?

I see your point

Prolonged and high oil consumption isnt good and had been a symptom the the "final" PCV mod that was withdrawn, but you never had that done, so your oil consumption was for other reasons, head gasket, piston rings, turbo seals???

If you havent changed any mechanical components it is indeed odd that the consumption has stopped unless the leak has now clogged, so I see your concern.

Are their any other problems, smoke for example, does she lose coolant, are the PCV hoses in good order?

Was the sump plug lose, and now tight??

 

[SPATL]

This is the problem...nothing has changed other than the change to semi-synth from full synth.

The PCV looks good, Coolant is perfect, oil plug was removed and fitted about 4-5 oil changes so I doubt it was that. Only difference is the oil...I run mobil 1 full synth on my 9-3 without problems, but this 9-5 seemed to drink it for lunch.

It doesn't make sense to me but it still concerns me due to the high rate of sludging issues in this t-7 engine, I fear the worst.

I guess it will take a valve cover pull and maybe some fishing into the sump to find out what's up.

 

[Guest]

oil plug was removed and fitted about 4-5 oil changes.

You should get a new sump bolt washer fitted every time you have an oil change..

 

[SPATL]

You should get a new sump bolt washer fitted every time you have an oil change..

It was...I was referring to 4-5 oil changes to point out that it wasn't leaking out of the sump plug area.

I am still baffled that a semi-synth doesn't have the same problem that a full synth did. AND, I am still concerned...

 

[Chris 9-5]

I guess the cheapest option if you are concerned is to drain the oil and use a piece of wire, or welding rod and fish around through the sump plug hole, see if any sludge appears on the wire / rod when you pull it out.

I guess for real piece of mind you need to have the sump dropped and the strainer cleaned.

Do you use flush when you change the oil?

Isnt it sad we are now trying to work out how a car has fixed itself

 

[Raven18940]

You should get a new sump bolt washer fitted every time you have an oil change..

Really? I've never done that and it's never been an issue.

 

[Chris 9-5]

Really? I've never done that and it's never been an issue.

The copper washer is designed to slightly compress as it's tightened so re using it "could" mean it leaks, plus they are only a few pennies