Engine oil consumption

209 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 12:14 PM

Hello all,
I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes with this thread but it's something I'd like to know. I'm a new owner as of early July with a Roush sbf crate #427R-795 with 2700 miles. After the initial 500 mile oil change( it used no oil), it has used about 2 1/2 quarts of Castrol GTX 10w-30. I have not abused it nor have I babied it. Only a few times in 2200 miles have I revved it to 4k driving on freeways and a few mountain roads. Maybe that is babing, no? What does your engine use be it a Roush, Craft, etc? Big or small block it doesn't matter. Am I expecting too much with no oil usage? Thanks, Cliff

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 12:32 PM

Is that the recommended oil? I'd be running 20-50 myself...

Rule of thumb. A quart every 1,000 miles is within barely acceptable tolerance. But that is often the case with high performance motors. Sounds like your right in the ball park with 2.5 qts in 2700 miles.

jwd · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 02:18 PM

351W. Built it myself. I change the oil once a year (1000 miles or so). At that time, there is no noticable change in oil level. I've never had a motor that used more than 1 qt. between changes.

Jim

madmaxx · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 03:15 PM

New engines will use a little oil until the wear in. Stick with the 10W30 as Roush recommends. As you rack up miles and the rings seat you oil consumption will stop.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #5 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 04:11 PM

With that big of a jump in oil usage, there's probably a leak at RPM. Maybe a pinched oil filter gasket or a loose fitting. It may just be something simple.

iwantacobra427 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 05:52 PM

Check your PCV. Disconnect it and the hose.. see if oil runs out of the PCV hose.

dblbarrel · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 06:06 PM

PVC is a good place to look.
If you are running roller rockers and a pcv you may not have enough room for a proper baffle on the pcv valve.
This is true even with "tall valve covers".
I changed the valve covers to taller than tall, and oil consumption went away.
Plus they look cool.

Fordzilla · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 06:44 PM

In my experience, each motor I have owned was different. 1 quart every 1000 miles is acceptable. I currently have 2 identical motors in 2 of my raod vehicles. One uses a quart evey 1000 & the other doesn't use a drop. Go figure....

DWRAT · #9 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 07:55 PM

My PVC was sucking oil big time.

jwd · #10 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordzilla

In my experience, each motor I have owned was different. 1 quart every 1000 miles is acceptable. I currently have 2 identical motors in 2 of my raod vehicles. One uses a quart evey 1000 & the other doesn't use a drop. Go figure....

That's easy to figure out. Something is wrong with one of your motors.

Fordzilla · #11 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 04:46 AM

I know but no matter what I do, I can't get it to burn oil like the other one

TButtrick · #12 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 06:57 AM

Can you post a picture of your PCV setup?

209 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 07:21 AM

Hello TButtrick,
No picture capabilities. It's a simple pcv valve from the valve cover with a line to the intake manifold below the carb. The other side is a sealed breather connected to the bottom of the air cleaner as per smog ref. Cliff

zrayr · #14 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWRAT

My PVC was sucking oil big time.

so was mine. I'm using the higher valve covers to clear the roller rockers & they lack the long & wide baffles of the original valve covers, and were not easily modified.

I got one of these, it helped.

http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/new_page_1.htm

Z. Ray

Frank Messina · #15 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 02:02 PM

I know that 1 quart per 1000 miles is considerd an "acceptable" consimption rate and have owned a car or two that did that, but.... in all honesty I wasn't happy about it. You always worry about it, and you are just a hair away from becoming a real smoker. With today's piston and ring technology, and the broad knowledge generally available on the subject, I don't believe having an engine use oil at that rate is acceptable. I know it would bug the crap out of me. Quit being so easy on it. Take it out and drive the bejeezes out of it. If it gets worse, tell Rousch to make it right. On the other hand you may just get the rings to finally bite and alleviate your condition, or... it could stay the same. But it's still two out of three in your favor. Somebody mentioned 20W50, and while I'm generally not a fan of heavy oils, in cases where a motor is way loose and ring seal is questionable, going to heavier oil can sometimes cut down on consumption. Watch your oil pressure though as too much can put a strain on the pump drive shaft and gear and result in a new set of problems.
Frank

Excaliber · #16 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 02:41 PM

It took a couple 1,000 miles for my rings to fully seat after my rebuild. I was quite surprised it took so long.

TButtrick · #17 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 05:49 AM

Check and make sure you have an adequate baffle first. A PCV sitting just above a valve cover baffle will still vacuum oil like crazy. I'd keep it at least an inch above the baffle. I kept mine far enough away with the an extended filler neck that came with the valve covers. The catch can will work but you'll still be filling her up every 1000 miles. It is however, a good way to confirm that this is where the oil is coming from. 1 quart every 1000 miles is way too much IMHO.

209 · #18 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 07:57 AM

Thank you TButtrick, for the idea and in the meantime I'll search for the needed parts. Cliff

undy · #19 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 10:18 AM

Here's what I run in my valve cover for a PCV breather. I has an internal baffle and a foam element inside to entrap saturated oil vapors. It's made by Trans-Dapt and available through any speed shop for under 10 bucks. MFR's part number is 4999. Just stick a grommet and PCV valve in it and you're good to go..
This one in the pic is for the "twist-in" valve cavers.
It works very well too..

TButtrick · #20 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undy

Here's what I run in my valve cover for a PCV breather. I has an internal baffle and a foam element inside to entrap saturated oil vapors. It's made by Trans-Dapt and available through any speed shop for under 10 bucks. MFR's part number is 4999. Just stick a grommet and PCV valve in it and you're good to go..
This one in the pic is for the "twist-in" valve cavers.
It works very well too..

I'm sure that may work for some but I didn't have much luck with it. The element get's soaked with oil and acts as a catch can and although it will drip back into the valve cover at low RPMs, what's left in the element get's sucked through the PCV when you put your foot into it. Result... big gray cloud on acceleration.