[tchamberlain42]

I have a 2018 Ti Sport with 80k+ miles, it has had the auto start/stop disabler installed since 15k miles and it is always in disable mode. (that is one of the dumbest things put in the car) All service and oil changes done by the same dealer. I have had multiple solenoid replacements and the oil pump/oil cooler was replaced when it dumped on my garage floor around 45k. The latest replacement part on order is the oil separator from what I have been told and they think this may be the root cause of the oil usage I have been complaining about since 20k miles. I used to have the oil changed every 9-10k, I have since dropped to every 5k in hopes of having less issues.

 

[ALFAOFFROAD]

Interesting, and makes a lot of sense.

Oil separators exist to pull the oil out of the gases in the PCV system and are similar to a catch can with the exception they feed the oil back into the engine instead of catching it.

The oil in a separator due to it being mixed with air/gas from the combustion process is dirtier then the oil that hasn't been mixed with the residue from combustion...... As such it can clog things and muck up the system and is a major factor on how the oil gets dirty at all. (Why not only use catch cans and not recirculate? Probably because that would waste a lot of oil and be a giant pain in the butt, other reasons too I bet).

Really, just another reason for shorter oil change intervals regardless of how or where you drive. 7500 miles needs to be considered the absolute max interval IMO.

@tchamberlain42 how much oil usage have you been getting? Maybe be a clue.

I notice at a 5k interval no drop in oil level, but 10k would lose about 1/2 quart. One time I burned a full quart, between 10 and 20k.

 

[Hoosbeach]

The latest replacement part on order is the oil separator from what I have been told and they think this may be the root cause of the oil usage I have been complaining about since 20k miles.

Hey can you get the part number for the Oil separator when you get the work done and share it? Hopefully this fixes your issue.

 

[tibimakai]

I have switched to 7.5k interval, just to be safe. I drive 24 miles one way, in stop and go traffic in LA.
Maybe they should design a thicker shaft, and use a bigger bolt that can be tightened with a higher torque spec.

 

[Jwg223]

Lots of brands use AS/S and variable volume oil pumps. Alfa is just as reliable as any of them. No design flaw exists. They all use the same suppliers. This just receives special attention because internet and haters and paid off reviewers. Go drive your car and enjoy it.

 

[tchamberlain42]

Interesting, and makes a lot of sense.

Oil separators exist to pull the oil out of the gases in the PCV system and are similar to a catch can with the exception they feed the oil back into the engine instead of catching it.

The oil in a separator due to it being mixed with air/gas from the combustion process is dirtier then the oil that hasn't been mixed with the residue from combustion...... As such it can clog things and muck up the system and is a major factor on how the oil gets dirty at all. (Why not only use catch cans and not recirculate? Probably because that would waste a lot of oil and be a giant pain in the butt, other reasons too I bet).

Really, just another reason for shorter oil change intervals regardless of how or where you drive. 7500 miles needs to be considered the absolute max interval IMO.

@tchamberlain42 how much oil usage have you been getting? Maybe be a clue.

I notice at a 5k interval no drop in oil level, but 10k would lose about 1/2 quart. One time I burned a full quart, between 10 and 20k.

Oil usage has varied a little, but it burns a whole quart between 2500-9000 miles.
The dealer is still waiting on the replacement part

 

[ALFAOFFROAD]

Wow. That is more than normal for sure.

 

[tchamberlain42]

Wow. That is more than normal for sure.

Yeah, I've been complaining about it since 20K miles, @80k currently, called customer care and all that. It's been in multiple times for them to 'check it out' with no results. Even though they have had to replace the oil cooler/pump and I bet the PVC valve thing (not that much of parts guy) has been replaced 3 times all under warranty. The oil separator and radiator issue are all under the extended warranty I have.

 

[Bladecutter]

Yeah, I've been complaining about it since 20K miles, @80k currently, called customer care and all that. It's been in multiple times for them to 'check it out' with no results. Even though they have had to replace the oil cooler/pump and I bet the PVC valve thing (not that much of parts guy) has been replaced 3 times all under warranty. The oil separator and radiator issue are all under the extended warranty I have.

I would probably recommend you pay a mechanic to put a borescope down all 4 cylinders, and look for cylinder wall damage, to be honest.