can anyone help with this, my 1997 eldorado with 94,000 has been maintained mint since new, and oil consumption was at the minimum level, now it seems to be comsuming? more oil than ever. 1 week ago the check oil light came on, i added the1 quart to it. the light is out. now yesterday, after driving for an hour, i checked the level, and nothing was showing on the dipstick, i had to add 2 more quarts to bring the stick half way up. i know that the car is not burning the oil, so where can i be leaking from? thanks

 

What weight and type oil do are you using?
How are you so certain it is not burning the oil?
Have you inspected the underside for leaks?

 

using penzoil 10/30 with aac delco filter since new, oil is changed every 1800 miles since new too. the onderside of the car is dry, no oil stains. i did notice that the oil coolier hose pressure fitting was loose and a littlw wet with oil, but i cant imagine that much oil leaking out of it. the car is not burning any oil at all, i know this, never never any blue smoke or any for that matter at all.

 

Northstars with oil consumption (burning oil) don't smoke, at least none that i have ever seen.
The problem we have seen is with buildup on the pistion rings and ring lands causing blow by and excesive oil consumtion.
We always do an LOF and have the car driven at speeds below 70 mph for 1500 miles.
Then recheck the oil level. If it lost a quart or less than it is within spec.
Another issuse is the vehical needs to sit 15min or longer in order get an accurate reading on the dipstick.

This brings 90% of the cars we see within spec.
The other 10% we treat the pistions and rings (via the spark plug hole) with a powerfull cleaner and follow up with an induction service and oil change. Then a "blow out" session on the highway.
This cures the issue or at least helps reduce it greatly.