oil loss

[Jamesd]

Ok, I'm enjoying the bongo (2.5 TD) very much and have camped a lot - love the top tent sleeping area, sea views, breeze etc. I'm a bit concerned though as the oil pressure light came on the other day and I discovered the oil was low - needing about 1 L to bring it to just above the 1/2 way level. The van had 95,000 miles on it when I purchased it and I've done about 2000 mls - mainly motorway, not burning it - usually 60 - 65mph. It was well serviced by the previous owner (I'm sure the oil level was spot on when I got it) and had a new head/radiator/thermostat at 85,000 mls.
Starts without significant smoke and I've never noticed clouds of smoke behind me on the motorway (unlike the type 25 diesel I had before which eventually needed reconditioning). No noticeable oil leaks.
Is such an oil loss normal?
Any advice (I'll be keeping a closer eye on the level, especially as have a 2 -3 week trip planned - France, Switzerland and Germany in about a month.
Sorry for long windedness
James

ps topped up with 10W/40 as Halfords didn't have any 10W/30 - I was told this should be fine

[paul9]

check your oil filter for signs of leaks,there was a bad batch of CTL filters about a while back,these tended to leak a little oil.

[Jamesd]

thanks Paul9, will look into that

[haydn callow]

Do you get drips of oil under the vehicle? If not you could be burning it.

[Jamesd]

No drips that I can see, unless it gets kicked back when driving along - thats wishful thinking though, I just don't like the prospect of an engine thats burning oil, had that before with second hand vehicles and its kind of stressful thinking of the hassle and potential cost of getting it sorted out. Makes you wonder about buying a new vw california but I'd have to re-mortgage for that

[francophile1947]

Jamesd - you have a PM

[Jamesd]

thanks John - helpful advice
James