Oil Consumption

Some engines have an acoustical oil pan. Pieces of plastic damping material and stamped-steel inserts attach to the flat surfaces inside the pan. When mechanical noise from the engine vibrates the steel pan, the plastic layer prevents the noise and vibration from reaching the passengers. Oil clearance varies, with 0.0015 inch typical for new bearings. As bearings wear, oil clearance increases. Then more oil flows through and is thrown off on the cylinder walls. More oil works its way into the combustion chambers where it burns. This increases oil consumption.