Difference between oil consumption and oil burning

[TallPaul]

Aside from the obvious or blowing blue smoke, I am just wondering what the difference is. For example, I have an Aerostar that uses a quart every 1300 miles, but does not blow blue smoke. Is it merely a matter of the rate of consumption and a quart every 500 mile will blow smoke? Also, is consumption burning anyway and just at a low enough level that it does not show blue smoke? In other words is oil burning just a severe case of consumption, or are there other factors. Just curious.

 

[ex_MGB]

A vehicle is considered to be "burning oil" if it uses enough oil to go from the "Hi" mark on the oil dipstick to the "Low" mark in less than a tankful of gas. Granted, it has serious "consumption" issues up to that point.

 

[Ray H]

Catalytic converters will further oxidize much of partially oxidized oil particulates ("blue smoke") that are produced at levels that were once plainly visible in tired motors. There's also always the possibility of leakage to account for the oil consumption.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Oil consuption is like pulse rate. The higher your resting pulse the worse you general level of conditioning and health are. This does not mean though that you are going to die tomorow just becasue your resting pulse is not ideal.The same holds true for oil consuption. Generaly if the combustion chamger and valves are not delevoping large amounts of deposit due to the consumption you are fine. It is merly something to keep an eye on. If the vechile has visably blue smoke comeing out of the tail pipe you have had other signs along the way that the motor needs work.

 

[dwendt44]

Some high performance autos are assembled 'loose', so they do use some oil normally. I recall that the Jag XKE did this and I'm sure a few present day hi-po engines do as well.
That said, a quart of oil in less than 500 miles is often considered 'oil burner'.
My 2¢