Fuel dilution problems?

[Infinitrium]

They seem to be fairly common to the B3, don't they? I noticed that when I checked the oil on the Aspire, it had a smell of gas to it. I can assume that the car has sat around for about a year, probably only started occasionally, idled a few minutes and probably not driven much at all. What are the causes of the fuel dilution problem with the B3? Someone on one of the Festiva groups at Yahoo said it could be a cracked head or bad headgasket. Oh lord, I hope those aren't the causes.

[darkdan]

Short trips and the usual stuff.

Dirty ring packs.

My first used oil analysis showed 2.5% fuel in my oil. After auto-rx I haven't had any.

http://www.auto-rx.com

[Infinitrium]

So it's probably not the head or headgasket?

[HappyMom]

Happenned to my Jetta after I had flooded it.

Looks like your first maintenance job on the Aspire will be an oil & filter change

[Infinitrium]

Looks like your first maintenance job on the Aspire will be an oil & filter change

Absolutely. Oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, plugs and wires are what I've got planned for the Aspire when I get it home. I'll probably replace the O2 sensor and remove the EGR valve for cleaning a bit later.

[darkdan]

Most likely not a head gasket.

Lots of other things can cause it too. Driving habits, bad injector, etc.

The one other used oil analysis I've seen on a Festiva he had high fuel too.

Like I said, after I used auto-rx.com I haven't had a problem. Even during the winter when it's a common problem for all cars.

[Infinitrium]

No money for AutoRX right now, still gotta register the car and get it inspected. I figure it'll cost a bit over $200. Then I got a phone bill and utility bill that should be paid. Anyway, I went into Canadian Tire and picked up a jug of the Autolab 15w40 diesel engine oil ($6.99) and a Canadian Tire oil filter ($4.59), I think I'll use that for a week or so as sort of a 'flush' then get some better oil and a Carquest premium blue oil filter.

[darkdan]

An oil change interval or two with diesel oil isn't going to flush.

But it will make a huge difference over 10,000 to 15k miles. Of course, no where near auto-rx, but do it when you can afford it.