Like topic says, I started hearing a loud ticking noise from the engine, checked oil level and it wasn't registering on the stick... Since it was time to change the oil anyway, I drained the pan and measured it out... there was 1.5 qts after drain. I use synthetic oil and change it every 8000 miles, about 6,000 miles ago I put the RIPP supercharger on. Didn't think to check oil befor because I never have had a problem with oil consumption and thought there was a low oil light that would say "Hey moron.. Check oil!". Would that extra power eat all that oil??? I am thinking I have something major going on... maybe fried rings? I never noticed power problems or noises because the S/C gave me all the power I want and it is quite noisy so drowns out everything else. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated...

Thanks for any input.
Russ

 

Oil consumption is somewhat common with the 3.8 engine. Jeep says that 1 qt every 1,000 is within spec and acceptable.

Many guys have had success changing the PCV valve and using a slightly thicker oil such as 10W-30.

I am old school and check the oil everytime I fill up with gas.

Oh, and if you wait for the idiot light to come on it is too late...you have NO OIL

 

x2, on checking the oil level periodically. Call it cheap insurance. I have always checked it once every week on my '08 and out of habit I also check it on my 2012 (knock on wood) even though it doesn't use / burn up oil......

 

How many miles are on your Jeep? You said you have never had oil consumption before until the SC went in, correct?

I know people throw our the "3.8L sucks oil" but, like you, I have never had this issue. I think it's SOME of the 3.8's have this issue. There are plenty that don't.

Hopefully people with a RIPP can chime in to say whether or nor the SC made a difference on oil consumption. Because if you never had a problem before the SC, then it would seem on the surface that the SC has kicked in some kind of oil consumption......unless the place that does your oil changes somehow forgot to add enough oil last time around!

 

X2 on this.

 

As cheap insurance I change the oil on my '11 every 3000 miles and find there there is no need to check it every time I fill up since I don't burn any oil at 3000 miles.

 

Changing the oil every 3,000 miles is fine, but it's not cheap insurance.
Cheap insurance is checking the oil level every week or so. It doesn't cost a thing.

 

In my previous experience with Vortech superchargers, you have to tap Into the oil pan with a return line from the SC unit. Now that you've added new components to be oiled, and new fittings and gaskets to leak through, oil has a lot more places to hide.
If that's the case with your Ripp kit, then you've got a few possibilities. Have you noticed any leaks under your jeep? Check the fittings on your drain pan, and the s&c unit. Also, I believe it's highly likely the additional compression increases the amount of oil being pushed past your gaskets. Time for a serious shop inspection to find out if your oil is burning or leaking.
Oh, and no offense intended but there is a reason they call them idiot lights. If you wait for one to go on, then...

 

Does the RIPP kit delete the PCV system? I would go ahead and do a PCV delete and run a catch can, it'll reduce the oil consumption. I do it on all my forced induction vehicles.

 

X2 on the oil light never coming on until it's too late. I changed my oil and filter and the old filter gasket stayed on and interfered with the seal of the new filter, letting a steady stream of oil flow out all the way down my neighborhood streets after I changed my oil and took it for a drive. I smelled oil and came back home and found out I lost 4 quarts, oil light never came on. Luckily I didn't drive enough to fully dump the oil, but it still made me wonder why the light never came on. I sent Chrysler a complaint on that one.