can you tell if your motor is burning oil from just looking at the exhaust ports??

[sleeper si]

When your car is burning oil in the combustion chamber that burnt oil/smoke comes out of the exhaust valve side through your exhaust and out the tailpipe. The other day removed the exhaust manifold and inside you can see dry black soot. To me it seems no burning oil issue. what do you guys say?

 

[TokyoSkies]

That's generally carbon build up. That engine is filthy.. run something like Seafoam (many will debate this) or an engine cleaner on that thing. Oil burning will usually be noticeable in a distinct drop in oil level/pressure. Also, how many miles does this engine have? Do you drive it hard?

 

[sleeper si]

That's generally carbon build up. That engine is filthy.. run something like Seafoam (many will debate this) or an engine cleaner on that thing. Oil burning will usually be noticeable in a distinct drop in oil level/pressure. Also, how many miles does this engine have? Do you drive it hard?

it has about 160K kilos and it is not driven hard at all, the misses drives it plus it is an automatic.

 

[TokyoSkies]

it has about 160K kilos and it is not driven hard at all, the misses drives it plus it is an automatic.

That seems low for that much buildup in there. Is it running lean/getting bad fuel mileage?

 

[sleeper si]

That seems low for that much buildup in there. Is it running lean/getting bad fuel mileage?

well there is a check engine light for the evap, checked the live datastream for both O2 sensors and works fine. could it be the car is driven short trips everyday? about 30 minutes to work and then 30 minutes from work?