oil usage?

[WyattEarp]

To the powers that be in 12V land,

Okay i decided to check my oil level a few week ago(2-3), was showing a tad low on the stick, in between the two notch lines on the stick(safe) i figured hmmm must be the way it was sitting just a little unlevel as the stick said i was still in safe area. Well checked it again yesterday well it was showing right at the bottom notch line on the dip stick, hmmmm The truck only smokes(very little and just a light grey)when i get on it or on a cold start in the mornings and as it runs it clears up, figured just the 12V engine... I do have a seeping back valve cover which i need to check out, didn't think it was that bad but have not had time to mess with it and there is absolutely no oil drips no where on this engine. So could i be losing it through this seeping valve cover(very back firewall) or out the blowby tube? Could it be im being paranoid or could it be i don't have the correct oil stick? Worries me sick, this truck is paid for and runs probably as good as it did when new, no power issues and the pump hasn't been turned up that i can tell... . NO oil in radiator either, i have added right at a quart, is there something i need to be checking or again am i just paranoid... Damn finally something paid and is mine, am i worrying about nothing. . Could i need a valve adjustment? Can you tell im searching for a simple answer here or at least something to put my mind at ease. :{

 

[bgilbert]

If you are checking your oil on the same flat surface every time and the engine is cold and hasn't run for hours, and you are noticing your oil level dropping. Then yes the valve cover leak could be contributing to loss of oil. Valve seals also contribute to loss of oil. Oil leaking past the turbo seal is another common leaker. You can remove a charge air boot and check for oil residue. Valve seals, I think you would see blue haze from the exhaust when the engine is warm.



I think everyone owning a 1st gen daily driver should be popping the hood daily checking fluid levels, looking for leaks, or anything out of the norm, staying on top of things etc. If you check the oil at the same parking spot everyday, you'll catch things and find trends etc.

 

[WyattEarp]

Thanks BG

I do need to get that valve cover fixed im going to do some searching for the part# on that, as for valves don't sound like i have that problem, absolutely no blue haze, and when warm no exhaust can bee seen at all, i do know that when in passing mode in fourth gear the smoke will flat out roll, not black but a greyish black which i think is normal, could be i need to check one of those charge air boots.

Thanks again BG

 

[bgilbert]

Cummins part number for valve cover gasket 3930906. ~$5. 82 each. Prices just keep going up.



While you have the cover off, might as well adjust the valves if they haven't been done in awhile.

 

[TKingsbury]

If it makes you feel better, mine has about 2K on the oilchange and the oil is right at the "safe" line. I always use a couple of quarts between changes. It doesn't bother me in the least. I too have no leaks but the occasional drip from the road draft tube.

Travis. .

 

[pepecat]

I can attest to Travis' Engine being very clean. It runs VERY smooth as well. I have a rattly loud resonating engine, and burn about a quart between a quart or two as well between changes.

 

[TKingsbury]

I can attest to Travis' Engine being very clean. It runs VERY smooth as well. I have a rattly loud resonating engine, and burn about a quart between a quart or two as well between changes.

You should have felt it this weekend on my trip to Yerington NV. You'd a sworn it was a gasser it so velvety smooth

Travis. .

 

[WyattEarp]

Same way with mine except for the chattering 4x4 stick, do they make a washer kit for that dam thing lol... I found last night that the bolt for the back valve cover was loose, loose enough i could turn with my fingers, so i tightened that back down, there could be the most of my problem, hard as heck to see on the backside of that valve cover or the engine for that matter. I also thought to with the mechanical engine and the mileage that i might see some oil usage so maybe i was just being a little bit paranoid. . You know you get something and its paid for and i was just freaking out is all LOL... . thanks again guys. . and i am purchasing a set of gaskets for her.

 

[JLEONARD]

Mine loses a quart between changes also, and I don't worry at all about it. I drive mine pretty fast. . lots of highway miles at 75... . and that's a contributer I'm sure.

Something I learned form the marine sites I participate in..... depending upon engine angle (because of boat running attitude) many of these Cummin Bs will puke a quart of oil out the breather tube in a very short number of hours... ... but once they get to the "add" line they stabilize and will run at that level until oil change time.

Not saying our engines are tilted, but the same theory may apply... .

I know mine pukes oil out of the breather.

One of the "fixes" for this in the marine field is to block the normal breather and use the oil fill tube as a breather by putting what looks like a small K&N filter in place of the screw cap... . or rig a Racorr CCV or Airsept system to this tube.

Just some thoughts.

Jay

 

[WyattEarp]

I feel alot better, i did tighten my loose valve cover bolt last night, im sure that will help some... I guess i am so used to the other truck with the 24V and its hard to believe but that engine uses absolutely no oil between changes, i know kinda of hard to believe but i think thats why i freaked on the 12valve with oil missing... You guys made my stress level go down alot and very quickly, i was losing some sleep thinking about it...

 

[btoscano]

My engine uses some oil but I think most of it coming from the rear main seal... because the entire undercarriage the passenger side is somewhat wet... it looks like it leaks out the bellhousing opening.