how bad a problem is it when a vehicle is reported to dmv as a smoking vehicle?

Asked by Eric1o64 Feb 28, 2020 at 05:34 PM

Question type: General

my 1996 honda passport goes through about one quart of oil per 5 tanks of gas. there is no leakage under the vehicle of oil whatsoever. now the vehicle has been reported to dmv as a smoking vehicle. could it be the oil usage is causing the problem? if so, is that not to bad a fix or is more likely expensive to fix?

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KenF answered 4 years ago

It would be really difficult for anyone here to advise on how bad the problem is or how expensive it would be to repair without actually seeing or testing the vehicle, but burning oil is a sign of worn rings or valve seals (wouldn't hurt to look at PCV as well). A change of oil type or an additive might help a little, or you would have to price rebuilding heads or a full engine rebuild. Not sure a 96 Passport would be worth all that, as long as you keep oil level topped off and routinely check it and just nurse it along. BTW what state reports a vehicle like this (as a "smoker")? Is this a California thing??

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Alfred answered 4 years ago

TRY THE LUCUS OIL STABILIZER. THE ENGINE MAY BE AT THE END OF THE LIFE SPAN. THE JUNK YARD ENGINES ARE THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GO.

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