1999 Subaru Legacy Outback missing oil

[rhendrickson]

I have no idea where my oil could be going because there are no
apparent leaks. I bought my subaru used about six months ago and have
put in several quarts of oil now. It starts up nice and runs good when
it is warmed up. (???) The check engine light came on again two weeks
ago and is staying on this time.

My car as a diagnostic appointment next week, which brings me to my
next question. Why do some shops only want $25 to run a test where
others are charging $70?

 

[Michael Pardee]

I have no idea where my oil could be going because there are no
apparent leaks. I bought my subaru used about six months ago and have
put in several quarts of oil now. It starts up nice and runs good when
it is warmed up. (???) The check engine light came on again two weeks
ago and is staying on this time.

My car as a diagnostic appointment next week, which brings me to my
next question. Why do some shops only want $25 to run a test where
others are charging $70?

Second question... because they can get away with it, I suppose. The test
they do is the same, I'm sure: they connect a tester to the test port (I
forget what it's called) and read the codes, then reset them.You can do the
same with a $100-$200 handheld tester available at most auto parts stores,
although the best prices appear to be on-line.

Modern cars seem to be able to burn quite a bit of oil without smoking -
maybe the cat converter desmokes the exhaust? Sadly, many cases of sudden (I
realize you don't know whether it's sudden) increases in oil consumption
have turned out to be broken rings. I am also hoping it isn't the head
gasket. Depending on what the codes show, you may elect to do nothing to
repair it or may be forced into action :-(

Mike

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I have no idea where my oil could be going because there are no
apparent leaks. I bought my subaru used about six months ago and have
put in several quarts of oil now. It starts up nice and runs good when
it is warmed up. (???) The check engine light came on again two weeks
ago and is staying on this time.

My car as a diagnostic appointment next week, which brings me to my
next question. Why do some shops only want $25 to run a test where
others are charging $70?

Might be worth inspecting/cleaning/replacing the PCV valve and/or
associated hoses.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Alan]

How many miles on the car? Could be the head gasket, and may be covered by
Subaru as it is a known issue.