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Drive-E engine using a quart of oil every 1000 miles; I'm 2.5 hrs from the closest dealer

6020 Views 103 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  MyVolvoS60
The title says it all really. In 2017, I bought a 15.5 V60 with 32k miles. When I lived in a big city that had several dealers, I had the dealer replace the spark plugs under warranty right away. Aside from the spark plugs and door latch recall, the car has been trouble-free. I have changed the oil using synthetic ACEA A5/B5 oil and genuine Volvo oil filters every 8k miles or so. The car only gets premium fuel. Everything has been done by the book. Now, at 85k miles, I am going through at least a quart of oil every 1000 miles.

I moved to a different state, work from home and don't log many miles now, but that may change next year. I can keep the oil filled up, but with this rate of consumption, it's only a matter of time before it fouls the catalytic converter.

How much good will, if any, could a 3-time Volvo owner such as myself expect from Volvo NA on this? How am I supposed to get them involved when the closest dealer is 2.5 hrs away. I don't have time to drive 5 hrs on a regular basis for the dealer to monitor my oil consumption. Would Volvo NA ever work with a 3rd party shop on something like this?

Has anyone had success reducing consumption by replacing the breather box (Volvo PN 31430923)?

Has anyone paid out of pocket for just new piston rings at an independent shop?
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Recommendation: Sell it for top dollar on Cavana (top off oil).
I couldn't live with myself if I did that.

I don't know how the law views car sales, but when you sell a home, you WILL get sued if you don't disclose existing issues.
Just a few snippets from the all-knowing internet. Of course, it's possible to find something on the internet to support just about any position, but these popped up at the top of my searches...

Does a car dealer have to tell you about problems or damage with vehicles it sells? In short, the answer is yes. IF the dealer knows about a problem and it is considered "significant" or "material". Moreover, a dealer's willful nondisclosure of a material fact that it knows is unknown to the other party may evince an intent to practice actual fraud.

What Do I Do With A Car With Engine Problems?
woman checking car's engine
Here's a scenario: what if your car has engine issues and you can't afford to pay for the repairs or the downtime? Are you stuck with it?
No. You CAN sell a car with engine problems. It needs to be clearly detailed to the buyer. If you know how to sell a car that needs repairs, you can do it the same way:
  • List your car in the classifieds online - Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a local site.
  • Write out all the positive things about your car along with attractive photos.
  • Add details about the car trouble you're having. You don't have to explain it all or give a cost estimate for repairs, just let the potential buyer know what they're actually getting.
  • Wait for responses, especially low-ball offers.
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Unfortunately, I don't see lawyers going after Volvo because they are not a major player in the American market and so ownership numbers are quite Limited.
...or maybe they don't like their chances.
You're right. 1/3 of 50 million is chump change. Heck, I wouldn't even get off my couch for that much.
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...or maybe they don't feel they have a case.
"Your honor, these rings are FAULTY!"
"Oh. Do they all fail?"
"No your honor, only a small percentage"
"I see. And the manufacturer failed to honor the warranty when they did fail?"
"No, your honor. Warranty obligations were invariably fulfilled."
"Oh, but the "little guy" was left hanging as soon as he was one mile out of warranty?"
"No your honor, in many or most cases, some measure of good will was extended despite no legal obligation to do so"
"So what's your claim?"
"These rings are FAULTY!"
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When does a manufacturer's obligation end?

I'd really like to know because my Windows 95 machine just crashed and I'm about to call Bill Gates.
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Interesting.

But I'd still like to know when a manufacturer's obligation ends. Your comments speak more about how long it takes for court cases to be settled.
I'm not a lawyer so I can't answer.
After ALL THAT you don't have an opinion? Sheesh.
I have guilt for wasting so much time on this.
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I had to put in 2.5qts to get to the top of the dipstick line when the light came on.
If it were me, I would not be waiting until the light came on before checking the dipstick. I assume your car has a pressure switch or sensor. You're already in the danger zone when that light comes on.
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