So, I just bought a 2001 Accord two weeks ago. It was checked out by a mechanic first and no major problems were found. It had very low oil as it hadn't been changed in about 4k miles. So I added oil. Each time I add oil, I seem to have to add more a few days later.
Initially the dipstick read far below the lower marker. How many quarts does it take to fill the engine? I initially only put one quart in to get it to the lower mark. But I have put in a total of 2 1/2 quarts in over the past two weeks. After I add the oil the level looks good and then two days later (or so) it is falling again.
Do accords spill oil if they are overfilled? could this be the problem?
I have no visible oil spatter under the car as I've checked it by putting a cardboard box under it when it is parked. And there is no white or blue smoke coming from it so I'd assume it isn't burning the oil.

Any ideas?
Thanks

2001 Honda Accord Coupe. LX
67,000 miles

 

Does it have any leaks? Is it burning oil?

 

I haven't found any leaks, no visible oil dripping on the ground. Before I bought the car, the mechanic said it was burning some oil by looking at the exhaust but he said it was minimal and well within normal. I'll be taking it in next week to get it checked out.

 

He told you car was burning oil and you still bought the car ??? ,, ( minimal burning oil ,,?? well within normal ?? what was he smoking
I am afraid that if there are no leaks you bought a car with worn valve seals or piston rings ...
I would make YOUR genius mechanic to pay for the repairs

 

please have your mechanic define a normal amount of oil to burn.

 

at 67,000 miles there no normal burning oil Mechnic is not very smart. You might wamnt to start by changing oil completely. see what happens from there. To be honest it seems like this car wasnt really taken care of.

 

If the car received minimal maintenance, it's hard to believe the oil is leaking by rings or valve stem seals. I would check the PCV system. If you get a blockage in the PCV valve or suction hose, the crankcase pressure is pushed into the intake duct. Check the duct for an oily trail inside. Clean PCV hose and replace hose.

It's possible you bought a car that someone abused (never changed oil, only added a bit now and then). You could have stuck rings from carbon buildup and leaking valve stem seals from excessive varnish buildup.

Oil could even be lost into the coolant system by the head gasket. Check your coolant for oil and look at dipstick for yellow/brown foam buildup and possible rust on the dipstick.

good luck