Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Engine using oil, need opinions

[GAmes]

I replaced the valve seals on cylindes 1 thru 4. The compressor I have was a pain to use on the easy springs, so I am waiting on the next long distance drive to see if there is any change. Just moving the valves I couldn't feel much difference in friction. My Vernier caliper hardly registers any difference in diameter of the holes. I'm thinking if the seals are the problem I should see a lot less (like 2/3ds) consumption. If I do I'll get a better compressor and replace the last four seals.

 

[hsmith]

Gary, even with a good compressor, the back four are a PITA.

 

[GAmes]

Gary, even with a good compressor, the back four are a PITA.

I don't doubt it. I figure if replacing 8 don't help, it isn't worth the trouble to do the last four:-laf

 

[hsmith]

If it's gonna work, replacing 2/3 of them should decrease consumption by 1/2 at least. Unless the last ones are the problem. Mine would be a real pain, considering the breather I have on 4&5.

 

[ewcmr2]

If I do I'll get a better compressor and replace the last four seals.

Yeah, my spring compressor has been customized to get #5 & #6.

 

[GAmes]

Yeah, my spring compressor has been customized to get #5 & #6.

I have the one from Genos and I customized it already. I cut about 3 inches off the lower handle and used a bolt instead of the upper handle for the #4 exhaust. The bolt that came with it is about 1/4 inch too short, so had to go to the hardware store. The arms don't want to catch on the lower part of the springs because I have 60#ers on all valves. I did a search and found a few recommendations for compressors, I just need to do it again and write them down this time. :-laf

 

[GAmes]

Update for anyone who cares. After a 1200 mile drive and modest improvement I bought a NAPA compressor that has a removable knob and a longer spare arm (part # 3271). Made in the U. S. with a lifetime warranty, and it works a lot easier than the one from Genos! I didn't even have to use a wrench to compress the springs, I just used the knob. The holes in #5 and 6 exhaust seals are lot bigger than any of the other old seals. After buttoning it back up, during the leak check I noticed there was zero blue smoke from the exhaust. Apparantly (and I haven't been on a long drive to confirm this) enough oil was seeping past the exhaust seals to be burning in the manifold, but not enough to show oil in the exhaust pipe. I'm driving to DFW tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[hsmith]

Hang in there Gary, maybe you got it this time!!!

 

[CBlack]

I've been wondering what you had found out, if anything.

Thanks for the update.

 

[GAmes]

Happy New Year and I am totally bummed out. 330 mile trip and it used a full pint of oil. The modest improvement on the trip to El Paso must have been a mix of wishful thinking and how the truck was positioned in the driveway. I had a catch bottle on the vent and it collected less than a tablespoon, so blowby is not my problem. I'm not leaking oil anywhere and there is none in the coolant (I double checked). The only conclusion I can come up with is that it is burning it. I am puzzled that the exhaust is clear, even right after a cold start. At this rate it would take over 50 gallons of oil, not counting changes to get to a million:{



My search for another engine has intensified.

 

[hcole]

I would try a heavier oil. I've had engines in the past (gas) that burned a LOT more oil when I changed weights and brands of oil, especially if you're using a 5 weight oil. I use rotella 15-40 dino in mine. It burns none between changes at 10,000 miles. Of course, I don't have 800,000 miles on mine.

 

[hsmith]

Gary, it must be associated with age, blowby, etc. My catch bottle will have less than a tablespoon at 15k or so. How did the deal in NJ go?

 

[hsmith]

Also, not just to make you feel better, but I have seen a lot of gassers do that bad on oil concumption at less than 100k. None will ever last close to what yours has. Also, a quart every 1500 miles or so is a small investment compared to the price of a rebuild.



Happy New Year to you and yours.

 

[fest3er]

Happy New Year and I am totally bummed out. 330 mile trip and it used a full pint of oil. The modest improvement on the trip to El Paso must have been a mix of wishful thinking and how the truck was positioned in the driveway. I had a catch bottle on the vent and it collected less than a tablespoon, so blowby is not my problem. I'm not leaking oil anywhere and there is none in the coolant (I double checked). The only conclusion I can come up with is that it is burning it. I am puzzled that the exhaust is clear, even right after a cold start. At this rate it would take over 50 gallons of oil, not counting changes to get to a million:{



My search for another engine has intensified.

Next trip, take the oil filler cap off (cover it with a rag to keep dust out) and see if there's any difference. Just for grins.

 

[NIsaacs]

If it were me, I think I would continue to run it. At least till the million mile mark I do understand it is hard to determine if the engine has one real bad hole and might be gonna gunny sack on you, or that it is just a little bad on all six and might go a long time. 50 gallons of oil spread out over another 225 thousand miles is not that bad cost wise and might even be giving you a small increase in fuel milage



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Gary, I'd hate to see you give up on your million mile goal. The finish line is just over the next mountain range.

From the posts you have written it seems the greater oil consumption developed rather suddenly. If so wouldn't that suggest something other than worn cylinder walls and piston rings on all six?

 

[GAmes]

Gary, I'd hate to see you give up on your million mile goal. The finish line is just over the next mountain range.



From the posts you have written it seems the greater oil consumption developed rather suddenly. If so wouldn't that suggest something other than worn cylinder walls and piston rings on all six?

Yes, I would think so, but I have eliminated all the other sources that I am aware of.



For the others. I'll try the cloth over the filler neck. I have always ran 15w40 dino. I took too long to make a decision on the engine out east and it was sold. There is another in San Antone but the guy won't deal and IMO wants way too much. In case anyone is wondering, I know there are lots of rebuildable engines out there, but I'm trying to find a low mileage 215 drop in. That is as much for the convenience as for the spare parts it will bring, like the vac pump (mine is the original).



On my way to Phoenix... ... ... With a couple spare gallons of oil:-laf

 

[Skydiver]

If it were me, I think I would continue to run it. At least till the million mile mark I do understand it is hard to determine if the engine has one real bad hole and might be gonna gunny sack on you, or that it is just a little bad on all six and might go a long time. 50 gallons of oil spread out over another 225 thousand miles is not that bad cost wise and might even be giving you a small increase in fuel milage

Nick

Exactly:
Gary, relax. I'm willing to bet that your truck is using less oil than anyone elses with your number of miles.
I'm losing (leaking) 2 quarts every 5000 miles. The way I look at it. that's just 2 quarts that I don't have to dispose of @ oil change time.
,
p. s. I for one will not try to talk you into buying a new truck. Think about the joy of photographing the odometer at 999999. LOL

 

[The patriot]

That's an insignificant amount of burn/loss IMO.

Run it!

 

[ewcmr2]

Up to a quart in 1000 miles is considered "normal" by most manufactures for warranty purposes, you're not burning much more than that.

If your engine suddenly started using more oil, and it's not leaking, it could be a broken oil ring. Any unusual operating conditions prior to the oil consumption increase?