B-2500 Burning oil

[redguy]

Recently bought a 2004 Mazda B-2500, 4x2, 2.5 turbo (WL). I'm new to this whole van/diesel scene i more or less bought the van to try and save on fuel, i drive from Chaguaramus to Princes Town everyday or almost everyday, avg. 75km one way. I know a thing or two about cars but i'm by no means a mechanic.

The issue i'm having with the van is that its burning oil something like a 1-1.5 quarts every week or so, to put things to perspective every 800 or so km the dipstick would come up dry (i won't get any oil light though). I know by design diesel engines burn oil especially older engines, but i don't think this much. I don't think this is normal or is it? IDK.

Things to note:
- I use NP SAE-50 diesel oil (the previous owner said that's what he use, so i continued)
- I installed a catch can recently (it collects some oil nothing major)
- recently cleaned the intercooler and piping, (intercooler had some oil pooled in it)
- intake is gummed up (not excessively)
- don't think there is a thermostat (tried to check but its a pain to get to)
- turbo has no shaft play but it has oil in it, the oil comes from the air box side where the PCV connects
- there is no external leaking of oil (turbo or otherwise)
- van doesn't smoke other than normal acceleration (blackish)
- if i take off the oil cap after a drive i'd notice some smoke/steam

Please shed some light on this, much thanks.

[kamakazi]

I'm trying to figure out that as well with a van at work. I believe the engine is tired; the rings are worn. You would hardly see any blue smoke simply because it burns off better in a diesel than in a has engine. What you will notice is the difference in the smell compared to other diesels; it will smell similar to of you had drops of oil on the exhaust manifold.

With regards to your dipstick comment, it only shows the last quart - quart and a half. In your case the vehicle still has a little more than four quarts remaining. Don't hope to see that oil pressure light when you driving; if you do see it that usually means the engine is severely low on oil and is either either damaged or on its way there in short order.

It's a bit sad that the vehicle is already using one of the heaviest oils available on the market; probably used by the previous owner to address the same problem you are experiencing.

For analysis the work van I use has 330000kms on it currently. Not sure if a ring job was done but it is still burning at least a quart every week

[redguy]

Could it be the turbo is leaking? The van is doing just under 200k kms, I'm not sure what to do next because it's kinda defeating the purpose for which I bought it. Should the engine be rebuilt or get a F/U head and block. Idk, but first I need to know what's the issue so I can go about making a decision.

[kamakazi]

Could it be the turbo is leaking? The van is doing just under 200k kms, I'm not sure what to do next because it's kinda defeating the purpose for which I bought it. Should the engine be rebuilt or get a F/U head and block. Idk, but first I need to know what's the issue so I can go about making a decision.

Honestly can't say... However while the turbo might be leaking, I can't see it being the source of the problem as the intercooler will fill quickly.

The option to rebuild or get a foreign used head and block will depend on you; what you can get, who you can get to do the work.
I understand it is defeating the purpose but be careful not to spend good money behind bad; your plan is to save money on fuel. Does it make sense to spend another 15000 (I'm not sure how much either option will cost) or so to save 25-50 week(also unsure as to how long you are planning to keep the vehicle).

We just buy oil and top off every week. Helps if you can find a good deal on cheap approved oil.

[redguy]

So I've done some research for the last few days and this product came up several times, so I decided to try it, I'll update you on how things pan out.

[nicholasfabulous]

Do a leakdown