2002 Ford Taurus Oil Disappearing?

2002 FORD TAURUS
78,540 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FIXORREPAIR
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I bought this car with 35,000 in 2004. Traveled the next day on a trip of about 1,000 miles. By the time I went 500 the oil was almost gone. So began the 'adding oil' every 2 weeks. It went to the repair shop several times, they replaced a few things.

It never fixed the problem and the strangest thing is, the car does not smoke, there are no leaks under the car, the gaskets were checked no leaks...
Where is the oil going?

Also after all this 'losing oil problem' I got the carfax...it showed the car was towed to a station, then to the Ford dealer, then sold to a car auction.

Someone wondered if the car took on water?

It also has other issues (electrical?) like 4 starters, losing a few minutes of clock time every few weeks, a strong fume smell running the Air or heat.

Is this just the case of a lemon? I paid cash and own the car so I have been trying to keep it up to stay debt free...Any hope?

Thanks for any insight!
Aug 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM
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BLACKOP555
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you have to check everywhere for leaks. have you had the compression done? oil on sparkplugs?

blue exhaust is very very very hard to see. and that indicates oil burning. next step is to do a compression and a cylinder bleed down test to find out what to do.
Aug 12, 2009 at 6:13 PM
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FIXORREPAIR
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Thanks for the reply!
I did put cardboard under the car for a few days, used a mirror, also white linen on the exhaust.
It had the normal oil change and tune-up- replaced everything. Still Oil Change every 3,000.
It went to the Mechanics total 4 times they said they went through everything, even replaced a couple of gaskets the 3rd time (just in case).
They said the 4th "Don't know what to tell you"

Took it then to Ford and they did further testing and came back with a 'valve' (forget the name of it) and a bearing (?) that may have been getting stuck- they replaced that.
It still needs oil every couple weeks.
What I noticed is it loses more oil on highway driving rather than around town.
Is it really hopeless? This has gone on for 2 yrs.
Aug 13, 2009 at 1:24 PM
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BLACKOP555
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has cylinder leakdown ever been checked? might be burning up the oil. hoseslty worth considering. is there oil on the plugs?

oil in coolant?
Aug 17, 2009 at 6:09 PM
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FIXORREPAIR
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No-oil in the coolant or on the plugs before or after they were changed.
Cylinder leakdown? I have never heard this mentioned by any of the guys that worked on it.

Just this week it has lost pickup at each take off...the rpms rev and it can get out of it's own way- acceleration only makes it worse so I need to let up as everyone is ticked off and passing me. Now I'm really thinking it is not worth it. I wish it were not paid for, I wouldn't be trying to fix it so bad.
Appreciate your time!
Aug 18, 2009 at 10:41 AM
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BLACKOP555
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it will show if theres the rings arnt holding pressure. or the walls are tapered. if thats good. then the only way oil is getting in there is through the valve guides being worn or bad seals on them. but the vehicle is pretty low mileage. but its still possible.

if the leakdown passes good.

compression test wet and dry are good but not as good as a leakdown.
Aug 18, 2009 at 5:06 PM