The 2£ question...where is the oil
 

Hello Everyone,

I'm a proud owner of a MG ZT 190 V6 with KV6 engine. Recenctly I had a full engine seal replacement(all seals) cause my oil was leaking. This time my mechanic tells Me that the rigs are okay, and It's not eating oil at all, The only loss i had was because the leak which was fixed. I tried like 3 method to measure my oil level(after 5 mins i stop the engine, with cold engine, all the tricks i readed here on the forum) without success. So my question is...where is my oil? If the engine not eating it and no leak anymore, why is it so shy to step up on my dipstick and make me happy?

BTW I'm using Liquid Molly 5W40 oil

Thank you,
D.

Assuming that:
the dipstick tube is correctly inserted into the engine and that the dipstick is the correct length, that the car is parked level, and that you know how to read a dipstick:
AND, you see no oil on the stick, then there is only one logical conclusion, there is too little oil in the engine!

It could have been under filled, or it has lost/used it.

That is the only way it can be.

I would start checking all the assumptions!

Dear kaiser,
1, I hope my mechanic know how to assembly a car engine :).
2, The dipstick size is 53 cm from bottom to o ring.
3, It's parked level and I know how to read it.
4, I see oil on the stick always the same amout under low

How much oil is normally used by these engines? Cause after My mechanic assembled the engine and filled up with oil. I checked It a month later and I have to add 1l extra to it and as I see now it's another 1l can go into it. Can a fully dissassembled and assembled KV6 "pick up" 2l oil?

The dip stick on the V6 (and the 4) is badly designed and very difficult to read. The engine also tends to be very dirty inside and the oil gets thick.
I normally repeat the reading two or three times, before I get a steady reading, because the thick oil sits in the small tube and clings to the sides.

As for consumption, it can be quite a bit, especially if your breathing system is not working as it should.

I had one of these engines apart many years ago, and the play of the pistons in the bore was considerable and noticeable, and the engine was not worn. I think they have generous tolerances in some cases, like some of the German cars from time to time notably VW and Audi.

If your oil level is under MIN, then you need to add oil.

Hello Gábor,

MG Rover issued a service bulletin to dealers regarding oil level readings on the KV6. This is a summary of the procedure:

1. Ensure that the engine is at normal operating temperature.
2. Stop the engine, remove the dipstick and wait five minutes for the oil retained in the upper part of the engine to drain into the sump.
3. Slowly insert the dipstick into the tube.
4. Remove and take a reading. You may need to place it against a kitchen towel if there appears to be no oil on the dipstick tip.

Simon

So after nearly 3 months my oil is still missing and I don't know why?
What i do so far:
- monitoring the oil consumption: It's not constant. Sometimes i can make 2400km/1l but
now it uses twice this amount.
- checked all leaking spot after engine wash: There is no leaking spot at all.

So my question is, can someone please create me a todo list(easyest to hardest) what i should check? I will give a last try before it's make me annoyed and sell it.

Thanks,
D.

So you haven't adopted the MG Rover dipstick reading procedure I provided for you in post no. 5. May I ask why?

Simon

Dear SD1too,

I used you method the read the dipstick. I do the measuring twice every time. Sometimes half of the dipstick is covered with oil the other side is bone dry. Today when i take a right turn the oil pressure lamp came on for a sec.

That's normal and suggests that the side of the dipstick which is bone dry is the true reading. The dipstick is notoriously difficult to read. Add 1.0 litre, drive the car then repeat the reading.

As a last resort, drain the sump and renew the oil filter. Add exactly 5 litres of 10W40 oil which should give you a reading on the dipstick between MIN and MAX.

Simon

I add 1.0 litre today. So tomorrow I go to work and when i get home i check the level. In november i also have to do an oil change+winter tires and maybe I will try another oil manufacturer.