I used 10w-30 because I had enough left over from my S2k. I've used it before and there was nothing wrong with it, but I usually use 5w-30, or 0w-40.

I don't think there was a leak, at least I hope not. I turned on the car and ran it for 5 minutes while cheaking for leaks. Even looks at all the oil lines and connections going to my oil cooler. I doubt that Fram filter was the cause of this, but I won't use one again.

The oil indicator light never came on, so oil pressure never got that low. I'm running an oil consumption test on my car right now and will see what happens in the next 1k miles.

Has anyone had oil consumption just arise out of nowhere after the car has NOT been burning oil for a significant period beforehand?

 

There shouldn't be much of a difference between 5w30 and 10w30. The first number is primarily for cold starts with a lower number being better for colder weathers.

 

One quart is ok, 2 for a VERY short time.

In your case the damage is done. You will need to check your oil daily for the next month. Once you establish a pattern, you can keep it topped off. However, your motor will never be the same. It will always use oil.

Think about it. you are down a quart and the oil is doing the job of 5 qts with only four. Go down another and its 3 qts doing the job of five. Think about this, oil's job is not just lubrication, it's cooling also. It cools the pistons, bearings and valve train. Your coolant my not get hot but your oil is cause it's over worked. With only three qts left it works harder and breaks down quicker.

Watch that oil level like a hawk for a few weeks.

 

3qts sounds crazy low.. is it leaking anywhere?

 

Checked for leaks and haven't found any when the car was running after the oil change. Also checked for dried oil spots/puddles around the engine bay and couldn't find any. Again, I don't understand how this issue just comes out of nowhere.

I had already established a pattern with my engine, it never burned oil before (or not any noticeable amount).

 

How many miles?

 

Exactly.

 

If you are that concerned, take a sample of the oil and send it to Blackstone Labs for analysis. They will tell you if you have significant wear materials in the oil. $20 to know the condition of your engine = bargin.

 

~40k. I'll look into Blackstone labs and will probably send them a sample.