I check my oil about every third fill up, +- 750 mile interval. Currently I have detected no loss of oil over about 750 miles or more. At my last service the dealer did overfill a bit which has caused me some concern but I assumed it would be OK.

Another thing I noticed was that the dip stick has a hard rubber "stepped" plug at the top to close up the hole when in place. A chunk of this plug is missing; looks like it broke off. Is it possible that it fell into the engine and is clogging anything?

A crazy thought... but I am still concerned. Haven't had any other trouble with the car, averages 20 mi. per gallon, no rattles or unusual noises.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

Let's take worst case scenario first -

Large piece of round stopper falls all the way down into sump.
1-Piece will not be picked up by pump, due to coarse intake screen, will sit in sump until drain time, then come out, it's smaller than the drain plug.
2-Piece rolls around inside forever. Not a problem either.

Most likely the dipstick was put in at an angle, so gasket got chewed - 90% chance the piece fell out, not in.

Either way, a bad gasket there can allow fumes and oil out, and sand/grit in, get a new one.(Warranty?...take donuts! )

S

 

if you have an 'old' dipstick, just go in and ask for the new dipstick per the 'foam on dipstick' TSB

 

I would skip to every other fuel fill at least. I know on my car I use about a 1qt of oil ever 1k miles....like clockwork. I check it everytime I get gas and add about 1/4 of a 1qt every 2 weeks.....if I checked every 3rd tank of gas I would be running at near a qt low....something i will avoid. I do it every tank and now i dont even have to think about it...im also done by the time the gas stops pumping so i doesnt take any extra time.