Hi guys,
I (European student) bought a used Hyundai i10 1086cc (G4HG, 4-cylinder, 2012 model) with 85,000 miles on the odo.
I have done my first 500 miles (750 km) and I have noticed that the oil dipstick is at 3/4 full, whereas it was at 4/4 when I received it (following a supposed basic service from the dealer). So I guess it lost around 1/4 quart (200-250 ml), not quite sure as I have not refilled yet, I do not think it is more than that, maybe less.
I have noticed that the valve cover leaks a bit, more like sweating in the front, a little more on the right side.
The mechanic (who is also a friend) told me I should not worry about it as it is small and many Hyundais have plastic rocker covers and sweat a bit after a certain mileage. So he suggested to do nothing as it may be a waste of money (although I have noticed that it may come close to the spark plugs on the right side).
However he suggested to do the valve stem seals together with the timing belt change (as it will reduce the labor cost).
The car does not seem to burn (much, if any) oil. I haven’t noticed blue or white smoke at any circumstances.
I had a problem with the idle RPM and the IAC valve, but since I changed IAC valve (thanks Hyundai for the cheap parts lol), the idle seems smooth and nothing really peculiar (maybe a bit slow to reduce rpm when I step off the throttle but I would not say it is annoying). Car sounds and drives like new (no weird sounds, ok acceleration, smooth gear change). Also I have removed the oil cap, and it looks normal (maybe a bit black sludge - like carbon - on the cap, probably normal at this mileage).
Do you think I should worry for the missing oil? Can the missing oil amount be explained by the “sweaty” valve cover? Normally this engine does NOT consume oil.
If it were the valve stem seals wouldn’t I have noticed sth? Is it really worth it to change the valve stem seals at this mileage or maybe I should look for something else as the culprit? I have checked for major leaks and nothing I could find.
Also, the dealer told me he put 10w-40 oil ( I asked, as maybe I have to refill). I thought that these cars take 5w-40 or 5w-30. Could that affect oil consumption?
Sorry for the many questions but I would appreciate any input. As in about 1000 miles I will do a big service (timing belt, water pump etc, planned that beforehand but I also wanted to drive the car first to spot other issues) I am trying to collect info so I won’t have to visit the mechanic again soon.
Many thanks!
PS. Was also thinking to change tha valve cover gasket at the major service, found an OEM one for 15 bucks.
Thanks for the reply! I get that consumption and leakage are separate issues, but I was thinking that maybe due to the mileage it may be normal to consume a bit oil AND leak a bit (for the leakage I am sure it has a bit from the valve cover gasket).
So I was mainly wondering if I should consider it normal and simply refill 1/4 to half quart per 1000 miles and let it be, or if I should chase a repair/maintenance. Regarding the PCV, I have asked the official Hyundai dealership for a PCV valve but they told me that they never had problems with the PCV. Bear in mind that it is a small 4-cylinder 1100cc engine that it may not produce a lot of by-product gases to clog the PCV.
Definitely… Once stuff reaches a certain age / conditions that any rubber/plastic stuff starts breaking down, it’s entirely possible that the metal stuff like piston rings may be “past tolerance” as well.
Do what you have to do to keep it going, but also try and make sure that there’s not something “simple”, that is causing oil to enter the system where it shouldn’t be.