Oil consumption question (generic)

[MajorCavalry]

Originally Posted By: supton
In your OP, you stated "simply a way to avoid correction of poorly manufactured engines", thus implying that you do indeed think such oil usage is bad.

I'm not going to disagree; 1k/qt does seem really bad to me. Of course oil usage won't get better over time. I guess I'd be curious if a 50kmile vehicle that burns at that rate will still go another 100k at that rate; or if oil usage would skyrocket.


Perhaps I could clarify. I do think that some oil consumption is not bad. If a new, broken in, engine used a quart every 4-5K miles, I would think this is the upper limit of what is acceptable. I would certainly prefer an engine that used none. But I think the 1 qt/ 1K miles is completely arbitrary and to me would be indicative of a poorly manufactured engine.

 

[morris]

i do know that in the 50s and i think in the 60s, at least 2 american engine makers would size the piston dia to .0001 inch. one had 4 sizes A,B,C,D.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: supton
Of course oil usage won't get better over time. I guess I'd be curious if a 50kmile vehicle that burns at that rate will still go another 100k at that rate; or if oil usage would skyrocket.


As long as the oil consumption isn't due to a failed component, it should not increase over time. When I say "failed", I'm talking like valve guide seals in an older Mitsubishi or Ford Modular, or stuck piston rings in an older Cadillac Northstar or Saturn 1.9L.

In fact, when oil consumption is due to an aggressively-hatched cylinder wall, you'll probably find that that particular engine will live a longer-than-average life due to the generous lubrication in the cylinder bore. Ridge reaming used to be a common thing 50 years ago, but with today's "looser" piston rings and aggressive cylinder hatching, that kind of wear is almost a relic of the past.

I'll let you guys know how it turns out then.

My Granada uses about 1qt/k, sometimes 1.2k/qt and has 55k on it now.