I'm glad i found this post. I just noticed the same thing yesterday. I added 2 quarts and hopefully that'll last till next paycheck, so i can do a proper oil change.

why does synthetic burn out like that?

 

It shouldn't.. it definitely isn't 'normal' to be losing oil.

93K miles and the one stretch where I had to add oil between changes was before I got a restrictor fitting for the oil inlet on my turbo (wtf Garrett you specifically say on your GT25R page that it isn't needed). Fixed that 5k miles ago and it has been perfect ever since. I'd notice even if the oil was just down a little because I have an oil pressure gauge and I'm always monitoring it. It's 70-80psi at idle when cold-started, 15-20psi at idle when warmed up, and 55-65psi when cruising on the highway. Any lower and I know somethin is up. Before it would eventually get to being only 30-40 on the highway, then I'd have to add half a quart.

The oil is leaking somewhere or being burned if you ever get low between changes. Always check the oil level before you drain it out so you know. KrayzieFox's issue might have strangely come and gone, but it doesn't mean anyone else will be as lucky.

 

i have seen this problem before and it would only lose oil when the engine was revving high( around 5k or higher) if you use 10w-30 the problem will slow down but still be there, there are 2 possibilites. 1 its the valve seals or 2 it the piston rings, or both. if its doing it at high revving the its a good chance its your rings.

 

Hey welcome to the forum (I know you joined in May but hadn't seen you post)

there's a good group of mazda guys in the Boston/Cape area (most are south of Boston). Collectively we were/are the New England Protege Owners Club.. no real meets or anything in the winter though :P

 

i've been losing oil since the last 3 oil changes. its not leaking, no visible leaks inside or outside the car. how do i check the valve seals or piston rings?

when i brought the car in for the 60k maintenance i dont believe the shop checked the valve clearance, which was on the "inspect" list according to the mfg. could that be related to checking the valve seals?
-meGrimlock