As a Kia car owner, you may be familiar with the issue of burning oil in your vehicle. This has been a prevalent and ongoing issue for many Kia models, causing frustration and concern for owners like yourself.
In this article, we will explore the causes behind Kia’s oil burning problems and provide you with information on how to self-inspect, troubleshoot, and potentially resolve this issue without breaking the bank.
Why do Kia engines burn oil?
There are a few main reasons why Kia cars may experience oil burning, including faulty engine components, improper maintenance, and design flaws.
One of the most common causes is worn piston rings, which can allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber and burn along with fuel. Another possible reason is as below.
- Piston ring wear
- Valve seal deterioration
- Engine oil leaks
- PCV valve malfunction
- Cylinder wall damage
Reasons: This can occur due to poor engine oil quality, lack of maintenance, or high mileage on the vehicle. It is important to regularly check and replace worn-out piston rings to avoid excessive oil burning in your Kia.
Symptom/sign: The most common symptom of worn-out piston rings is excessive blue or gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. This occurs as a result of oil being burned up with fuel in the combustion process.
You may also notice a decrease in engine performance and an increase in oil consumption.
How to Self-inspect: To self-inspect for worn-out piston rings, you can conduct a visual inspection under the hood. Look for any signs of oil leaks or buildup in the engine compartment.
You can also check the spark plugs for any oil residue, as this is a sign that oil is entering the combustion chamber.
Error code: When worn-out piston rings are the cause of oil burning in your Kia, it can trigger error codes such as P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire detected) or P0172 (system too rich).
These errors indicate that fuel is not being properly burned due to excessive oil consumption, resulting in an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture.
Solutions: If worn-out piston rings are causing oil burning in your Kia, the best solution is to replace them. This can be done by a professional mechanic or as a DIY project if you have mechanical knowledge and skills.
Costs: The cost of replacing worn-out piston rings will vary depending on the make and model of your Kia, as well as where you choose to have the work done.
On average, you can expect to pay between $300-$1000 for parts and labor.
Valve seal deterioration
Valve seals are small but important components that help regulate the oil flow into the engine. They are located at the top of each valve stem, inside the valve cover.
Reasons: Valve seal deterioration can occur due to excessive heat, age, or poor maintenance. As they wear out, they may allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in excessive oil burning.
Symptom/sign: The most common symptom of valve seal deterioration is blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipe during acceleration. You may also experience a rough idle and decreased engine performance.
misfiresTo self-inspect for valve seal deterioration, you can perform a visual inspection of the valve seals and surrounding components. Look for any signs of oil leakage or damage.
Error code: When valve seal deterioration is the cause of oil burning in your Kia, it may trigger error codes such as P0302 (cylinder 2 misfires detected) or P0430 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold).
These errors indicate that there is an issue with fuel combustion due to excessive oil consumption.
Basic Troubleshooting: If you suspect that your Kia’s valve seals are causing oil burning, you can also perform a compression test on your engine to check for any issues with piston rings or valves that may be contributing to excessive oil consumption.
Solutions: To fix valve seal deterioration, you will need to replace both the damaged valve seals and any other components that have been affected by the excess oil.
This includes cleaning or replacing spark plugs and potentially performing an engine flush if there is a significant buildup of debris.
Costs: The cost of replacing valve seals will vary depending on the specific model and year of your Kia, as well as the labor costs at your chosen repair shop.
On average, you can expect to pay around $200-$500 for parts and labor.
Engine oil leaks
Another common cause of oil burning in Kia vehicles is engine oil leaks. These can occur due to a variety of reasons, including damaged gaskets or seals, loose connections, or cracks in the engine block.
The location of the leak will determine the severity and cost of repairs.
Reasons: Engine oil leaks can be caused by several factors, including wear and tear over time, poor maintenance, or even manufacturing defects.
In some cases, extreme driving conditions such as high temperatures or rough terrain can also contribute to oil leaks.
Symptom/sign: The most obvious sign of an engine oil leak is visible spots or puddles of oil under your Kia when it is parked. You may also notice a decrease in engine performance and an increase in exhaust smoke.
How to Self-inspect: To determine if your Kia has an engine oil leak, you can perform a visual inspection under the hood for any visible signs of leaking oil.
You can also check the engine oil dipstick to see if the level is lower than normal or if there are any contaminants present.
Error code: If your vehicle has a check engine light on, it may be accompanied by an error code related to oil leaks or low oil pressure.
Here is the potential error code for an engine oil leak:
- P0521: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
- P0522: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Voltage
- P0523: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Voltage
Basic Troubleshooting: In some cases, a simple fix such as tightening loose connections or replacing a damaged seal can solve the issue.
However, if the leak is coming from the engine block or an internal component, it may require more extensive repairs.
Solutions: The best solution for fixing engine oil leaks will depend on the location and severity of the leak. In most cases, repairs will involve replacing damaged gaskets or seals, repairing any cracks in the engine block, or fixing loose connections.
If the leak is severe and cannot be repaired, you may need to replace the entire engine.
Costs: The cost of repairing an engine oil leak can vary greatly depending on the cause and extent of damage.
Minor repairs such as replacing gaskets or seals can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, while more extensive repairs or engine replacements can cost over $1000.
It is recommended to have your Kia inspected by a certified mechanic to determine the best course of action and get an accurate estimate for repairs.
PCV valve malfunction
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gases from the crankcase back into the engine. A malfunctioning PCV valve can cause excessive pressure in the crankcase, leading to oil leaks.
It is usually located on top of the valve cover or a separate hose attached to the intake manifold.
Reasons: A clogged PCV valve malfunction could be a faulty valve itself. Over time, the valve can wear out or become stuck in an open or closed position, disrupting the proper flow of gases.
Additionally, extreme temperatures can cause the valve to warp or crack, leading to leaks and burning of oil.
Symptom/sign: If your PCV valve is malfunctioning, you may notice blue smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, as well as increased oil consumption.
You may also experience a decrease in engine performance or rough idling.
How to Self-inspect: To inspect your PCV valve, you can detach it from the intake manifold and shake it. If you hear a rattling noise, the valve is working properly. You can also check for any clogs or debris in the valve.
Error code: A PCV valve malfunction may not always trigger an error code, but if it does, it could be P0171 (system too lean) or P0174 (system too lean bank 2).
These codes indicate that there is a problem with the air-fuel mixture in the engine, which can be caused by a faulty PCV valve.
Basic Troubleshooting: In some cases, simply cleaning or replacing the PCV valve can solve the issue. However, if the valve is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced.
Solutions: If your PCV valve is malfunctioning, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine and excessive oil consumption.
If cleaning the valve does not solve the issue, you may need to replace it with a new one. You can purchase a replacement PCV valve at an auto parts store or have a mechanic install it for you.
Costs: The average cost for PCV valve replacement in a Kia car can range from $150 to $300, including labor costs.
However, this may vary depending on the severity of the issue and the specific model of your vehicle. So, it is always best to consult with a certified mechanic for an accurate estimate.
Cylinder wall damage
Another possible cause of oil burning in Kia cars is damage to the cylinder walls. The cylinder walls are located inside the engine block and are responsible for creating a tight seal with the piston rings to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
Reasons: Damage to the cylinder walls can occur due to various reasons, such as improper maintenance, low-quality oil or lack of proper lubrication. Age and wear can also contribute to this issue.
Symptom/sign: A common sign of damaged cylinder walls is excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe, especially when starting up your vehicle. You may also notice a decrease in engine performance and an increase in oil consumption.
How to Self-inspect: To inspect for any damage to the cylinder walls, you will need to remove the engine head and inspect the walls for scratches, scuffs or cracks. This is a complex process and should be performed by a trained mechanic.
Error code: If there is an issue with the cylinder walls, it may trigger an error code on your vehicle’s computer system, such as P0300 – Cylinder Misfire Detected or P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected.
Basic Troubleshooting: If you suspect damage to your cylinder walls, it is important to address the issue immediately.
You can try using a thicker oil or adding an oil additive specifically designed for damaged cylinder walls. However, these are temporary solutions and will not fix the underlying issue.
Solutions: The best solution for damaged cylinder walls is to have them repaired or replaced by a mechanic. This may involve honing the walls to remove any scratches or cracks, or replacing them altogether if they are beyond repair.
Costs: The cost of repairing or replacing damaged cylinder walls can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the labor costs at your chosen mechanic.
Generally, it can range anywhere from $500 to $1500. However, neglecting this issue can lead to further damage and potentially higher costs in the long run.
FAQs
Kia burning oil recall
In 2018, Kia issued a recall for over 68,000 vehicles due to potential engine failures and oil leaks. This issue was caused by faulty fuel injectors that could lead to excessive fuel entering the cylinders and causing damage to the cylinder walls.
Kia Rio burning oil
The Kia Rio has been known to have issues with burning oil and excessive engine wear. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor maintenance, low-quality oil, or manufacturing defects.
It is important to regularly check and change your oil to prevent any potential issues.
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