2015 Honda CRV with the 2.4 engine and 150,000 miles
Complaint:
After 3 months of driving
between oil change, the oil pressure light on the dashboard came ON
while driving. The oil level was checked and no oil was found on the
dipstick. What Happened to My Oil?
We
added 3 quarts of oil to the engine and brought the level on the dipstick to
FULL. This car is a daily driver moving between school, work and
after-school practices and performances. We have no time for engine problems
and breakdowns.
Honda CRV owners 2015 – 2019 are complaining all across the U.S. and asking the same question after 100,000 miles or so of driving - What Happened to My Oil?
Comments: Complaint also applicable to 2013 - 2017 Honda Accord and 2016 - 2019 Honda Civic vehicles.
Cause:
Simple answer. It's either leaking or being burned inside the engine. In most cases, these problems are caused by a clogged PCV valve due to lack of maintenance. Regardless of the cause, OIL IS MISSING from the engine can quickly lead to catastrophic engine damage.
What is a PCV Valve?
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is
an emissions device that controls unburned gases that escapes pass the
piston rings. The PCV valve circulates the unburned gases inside the engine and routes it to the combustion chamber where it is burned
during engine operation. This keeps the engine oil clean and prevents harmful
fumes from building-up inside the crankcase to keep the oil clean and free from
sludge and moisture. The PCV valve ensures a long-lasting engine and keeps the
environment clean.
See Picture of OEM Factory PCV Valve Assembly...
https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Valve-Assembly-Honda-17130-5A2-A01/dp/B09PV9C19N
Correction:
Wait a minute! Are you telling me that an inexpensive $10 part at Amazon.com ($32.99 at Honda) that is supposes to keep my engine oil clean and running smoothly is destroying my engine? Well yes, but hold on a second! It's not the part, it's lack of maintenance!
Why is this happening?
In the Honda Owner's Manual, the recommendation is to "service the PCV valve" by checking its operation every 30K, 60K, 90K, 120K, 150K... miles (watch the 2-minute Youtube video above on how this is done). This problem is happening because many car owners, automotive technicians, and service advisors neglect to check or fail to emphasize the importance of this critical maintenance procedure.
If this PCV valve becomes clogged with carbon and gum from the unburned fumes, it tends to stick in the OPEN or CLOSED position. If it sticks CLOSED, pressure builds inside the engine and causes oil leaks around gaskets and seals. If it sticks OPEN, vacuum pressure sucks engine oil from the engine crankcase and burns it inside the engine. Either way, the OIL IS MISSING from the engine!
The good news:
Honda engines are tough and reliable and can sustain some neglect, but affects tend to linger and require more frequent checks of the engine oil level (weekly or monthly) between oil changes.
- Replacing a clogged PCV valve may substantially reduce the amount of oil loss between oil changes and may even stop many engine oil leaks.
- Replacing the PCV valve on your Honda takes about 10 minutes and it is easy to install!
- Pay attention to leaks, sounds, and smells coming from your engine - these are early signs of trouble.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, the engine
returns to normal operating condition and Honda owners are encouraged to follow all maintenance schedules outlined in their Owner's Manual...
HAPPY DRIVING AND STAY SAFE!
Further Study - Learn How to Test the PCV Valve on Any Vehicle with a Piece of Paper. Check-out the YouTube video by "The Old Mecanico Show" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3ppNvofPHI
