I had always known that the Renesis burned oil during the combustion cycle to lubricate the seals, but I never looked at how much. I recently did another de-carb of the motor, and while underneath of the car with a good light source for the first time, I noticed a lot of oil. No dripping or squirting, but enough to make make a "wet" coating on the a-arms (closest side to the motor), the front cross member, and a small bit on the oil pan. I was a little concerned and did some research. Apparently, the Renesis only burns about 1 quart for every 2000 miles (relatively).
I only go through 1 tank a week (7 days), and need to add a little over half a quart every other fill up.

The AP says I average around 16-18 mpg. The plugs, wires, and coils were replaced in September, one month after I bought it.

I'm not a math star, so be easy-
So in my best case scenario 13.5 gallons x 18 mpg = 243 miles to a tank
243 x 4 (weeks) = 972 miles.
For me, 972 miles = Need of one quart of oil to be added.
972 miles is obviously somewhat less than 2000.

I use RP 5w20, and I would say my driving habits are comparable to the average RX8 enthusiast with essentially a stock 8.

I'm thinking I could possibly have an oil pan leak? Or does this sound like something else? In the event of the oil pan leak, Should I go with some sort of expanded capacity oil pan when I replace the gasket?

Thanks for any insight in advance!

 

i would think the front seal first..

you are running the ap? with mm maps. if so that oil rate does not sound that out of line..

beers

 

+1

I dont have AP from MM, but as far as I concern (read a lot). MM's maps are all tuned with MOP to the MAX at all times. so yeah ... maybe thats why.

 

even so.. you shouldn't be seeing oil where you are..

 

I don't know of a setting on the AP called "Spray oil outside of the engine"

 

 

really,

with out photos it could be lots of things.. really i have seen some..

you would be amazed on how a leak in one place would show up far away from it, with the airflow under are car..

btw, i wish my car would consume more oil!!!

beers

 

Maybe I'm just lucky... haha

 

That depends entirely on how you drive it, and what ECU map is loaded up. The latest Mazda map took me from 1 qt. every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, to 1 qt. every 1,000 miles, like clockwork. I go through a tank every 4-5 days or so, so I'm putting in a qt. about every 2-3 weeks.

 

Your places to look for oil leaks would be the MOP area...front passenger corner of the engine...and the front seal

Both are common leaks,,,especially if you push the car really hard and it gets hot

Oil pan seal can leak also

Best thing to do is clean it off really well...and then check in a day or so where the oil is coming from

 

Makes me wonder how I manage to have to add a quart every 900 miles and I'm still bone stock (and yes, it does the same with 5w20)

 

The MM maps does bump up the OMP metering values, but not MAX all the time, LOL (you're car would smoke with that much oil at idle)

The oil being outside the engine is a different story that isn't AP related. You might want to check the front seal. Also, if you've spilled any oil will topping off it can stay on your car for a while.....