Let me say up front I have always loved the Eclipse line and have always wanted one. The problem I find is that it seems every Mitsubishi engine, no matter the model of vehicle, with about 90,000-100,000 miles burns oil visually noticeable from the exhaust. I have observed this to be true as far back as Mitsubishis go right up to current models.

Like I said, I love the Eclipse and really want to buy one but why is this oil burn so common? I have been told it is because of cheap valve guide seals.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks

Moab Man

if a mitsu burns oil noticably, it is usually from the valve seals/valve guides. however, a lot is dependant upon how well maintained the car is. people that neglect oil changes are much, MUCH more prone to this issue. I have 197000 miles on my 100 percent original diamante 3.0 liter SOHC (one of the most common valve guide wearing engines), and it does not burn a visible drop. I use about a quart every 3000 miles, like almost any engine on the planet.
it has had its oil changed every 3000 since new.
So theres not so much a problem with the valve seals as there is with people maintaining their cars poorly.
americans generally do a poor job of car maintenence overall.

I would have to disagree with moab man as one of my workmates has a carisma 1.8 with nearly 180,000 miles and does not burn a drop of oil.he is not gentle to it but does maintain a complete and thorough service history.proper servicing is key to any vehicle you plan on keepin and to have such problems as you describe I would agree with many brews regarding valve guides/seals

LOL! You can't disagree with my observation. :) I am asking the question because I would love to own an Eclipse but have found this problem in every car I have looked at so I was wanting know if pretty much every car does this. It's kind of like Jeeps. The 4.0 engine is a great engine for what it was designed for but the greater majority of them have rear main seal leaks. Most Jeep owners will tell you that it kind of expected. Similar to this with Jeeps I was wondering if Mitsu engines were the same.




Wow, that is quite a bit of oil. I know it is within manufacturer spec, but I have never owned a car that actually used even half that within 3000 miles.

Are any of you running synthetic? Suspect these valve guide seals might truly benefit from the improved lubricating properties of syn.

Thanks guys. I will keep looking and shopping.

will inform you if i start experiencing this cause im coming up 100000 km on the clock