Guys, thanks a lot for your responses.

Here are the details that I failed to mention.
1. My Honda Civic CX 97 has 160 000 miles on it.
2. After I changed the oil last time (and the oil level was above
"Full" line directly after changing), the oil level has dropped to
BELOW the "Add" line after I drove 3000-3500 miles.
3. Other then the drop in oil level I don't have other concerns. The
milage is great (5.9 L/100 km - I am in Canada), no blue smok, just
passed my emission test recently.
4. No leak of oil detected anywhere.
5. Don't know what PCV valve is, will find out.
6. When I detected that the oil level is less then "Add" mark, I
poured about 1L of oil (I guess, about 1 quart) and it's full again.

Thank you very much for all your help.

Viktor

"Caroline" > wrote in message hlink.net>...
> "Viktor" > wrote
> > Hi everybody,
> > I bought used '97 Civic CX 2-door hatchback two years ago and have
> > noticed that the engine eats the oil signigicantly (3000 miles
> > decreased the oil level by half).
>
> After 3000 miles, is the oil still above the low mark on the dipstick?
>
> About how much oil are you adding every 3000 miles? If it's less than a quart, I
> don't think there's a major problem.
>
> Check the outside of the engine from beneath the valve cover to beneath the oil
> pan gasket. Do you see any oil on the outside of the engine?
>
> How is the car's fuel mileage, and when was the last time the PCV valve was
> changed?
>
> A failed (or failing) PCV valve may cause leakage past oil seals and low fuel
> mileage. Replacing the PCV valve at least every 60k miles often pays off.
>
> Also, is the coolant reservoir level steady?
>
> > Otherwise it runs great, just passed
> > the emission test.
> > Is my engine on its way out?
> > Is there some inexpensive way to correct it?
> > If engine dies, how much could it cost to replace or repair the
> > engine?
> >
> > Thanks a lot!
>
> How many miles are on this Honda?
>
> Caroline
> 91 Civic, 158k miles, still 40+ mpg