2016 RCZ Burning Oil? Constant Top-Ups Every 1,000 Miles + Burning Smell

[Mrayop]

Hi all,

I’m hoping someone here can help me figure out what’s going on with my 2016 RCZ (petrol). I’m having to top up the oil every 1,000 miles or so with around 0.5 to 1 litre of oil. I’m currently using Quartz Ineo First 0W-30 (ACEA C2, API SN Plus), which I get from Halfords.

When I do longer drives, especially on dual carriageways or national speed limit roads, I notice a strong burning smell when I stop the car—and occasionally even steam coming from the engine area. Usually around this time, the oil warning light comes back on, so I have to top it up again.

I’ve already had an oil leak fixed previously, so I don’t think it’s that (though I’m not 100% sure if there’s another small leak I’ve missed).

Is this kind of oil consumption normal for the RCZ? Or could this point to something more serious like a breather issue, piston rings, or PCV problems?

Also, as a side note—what engine coolant and oil do people recommend for these cars, just to be sure I’m using the best stuff?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[lfe]

The THP engine is prone to consuming some oil but the most worrying thing about what you explain is the smell of oil when stopping which usually indicates major problems with the tightness of the pistons or valve seals.

A compression test of all 4 cylinders would have to be done, if compression is missing in any cylinder the engine would have to be rebuilt or replaced with another in better condition.

If the compression is acceptable then the valve seals should be changed.

There could also be a problem with the cylinder head gasket, if the oil filler cap has foam inside the gasket is bad.

Seeing the color of the porcelain of the spark plugs can also be a good indication, in a good condition engine it should be light brown. If some is oily, that cylinder burns oil.