Burning Oil -

[MAYO]

I wonder if any of you guys can help. I have a 56 plate GTI (Grahite Blue) with 37k on the clock. It's has regular services (on the long life service plan) and has a recent oil change in Sept 09. I am noticing that I am using a large amount of oil. I had to top up a quarter of a litre in Nov and another quarter of a litre yesterday (Jan 10) as the dip stick reading was below min. I've never had to add oil with my old Mk4 GTI or my old Passat V6. Is this level of oil usage normal? 
Also, when I took the oil filler cap off, there was a thick yellowish  "gunk" on the underside of the cap and I could see more of this inside the engine.  This does not seem normal, any ideas? I cleaned the cap and put some more oil in and the car is running beautifully, no warning lights, picking up well and generaaly being as a GTI should be...great fun. I also use fully synthitic oil. My daily commute is only about 11 miles and it's obviously been very cold lately....could this be an issue? Also I've had no evidence of oil leaks on my driveway.......

I'm baffled, especially as the car is running so well....... Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially as the car is still in warranty!
Cheers,
Andy.

[WhiteGTI]

Welcome to the forum Andy.

Although I can't really help you too much, the GTI does normally consume quite a bit of oil. Mine goes through it quickly, and many users on here have reported similar! I would say that mine goes through 1/4 litre every 1.5-2 months. This is from very frequent use.

The 'gunk' may not be normal, don't know...but it has been cold lately and sometimes you do find this happening and is just condensation forming from the warm oil is cooling down. And as you say, your journey is on the short side of things.

What oil are you using by the way? Some out there are much better than others - notably Castrol Edge with the marking VW504/507 on the back.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along to shed some more light on your query!

[MAYO]

White,

[WhiteGTI]

White,

lol yes? 

[MAYO]

White, many thanks for the advice. Makes me feel better that the oil usage issue is not seen as odd. Although I'm still suprised at the amount I have been using. I'm a bit more concerned about my "yellow gunk" (it looks like custard). I'll dig out the oil I use, but off the top of my head I think it's Shell. I'll now make sure I keep an eye on the oil level and check it every couple of weeks. Also, as I still have 4 months of warranty left I may take it back to the dealers, so they can check it out....just to make sure. I don't want a problem right after the end of the warranty period......

Again......many thanks concerning the oil usage...it's put my mind at ease............

Cheers,

Andy

[NEWEY]

this time of year if you only do short journeys you will get the "yellow gunk" under the oil cap. i get this on mine to its nothing to worry about 

[MAYO]

Newey, Thanks for the response, and thanks for the good(ish) news. Glad that this seems nothing to worry about and that others have the same issue. Perhap I need to go out and give it a bit of a "blast" on a long journey as all of my journeys are pretty small milage wise. Do you have the same issue regarding oil usage?

Thanks,

Andy

[NEWEY]

Newey, Thanks for the response, and thanks for the good(ish) news. Glad that this seems nothing to worry about and that others have the same issue. Perhap I need to go out and give it a bit of a "blast" on a long journey as all of my journeys are pretty small milage wise. Do you have the same issue regarding oil usage?

Thanks,

Andy

yes i have to top up every couple of months i would say. During the winter i only do around 100 miles a week. but it gets used alot in the summer months.

[ub7rm]

I didn't have to top up the oil in my old 1.8T between services so like you I got a bit of a shock when I have to top up a litre or so every 4 months or thereabouts...

Seems to be normal for most.