I know this has been discussed 1000 times..

[smokediver27]

But I hate when I check my dipstick on my car and oil has been lost/burned.

Here's my deal, 94 with 80k, I use Mobile1 10-30w, and in the last 1800 miles I've used/dropped/burned, whatever a quart of oil. I'm at the point where I'm finally going to be able to start dropping some cash into my car, but I hate to if this is a sign of serious engine problems. I also have the mysterious disappearing coolant, that comes and goes for no apparent reason.

What should I do guys, I know a compression test might show something (dont know how to do one, but saw the test kit at autozone) Is this normal oil consumption, should I just drive and hope for the best??????

 

[Rootus]

One quart in 1800 miles isn't *that* big a deal. Coolant disappearing probably just means a leak (you say "coming and going"?). If you're worried about a head gasket leak, look for other signs, like oil in the coolant, or coolant in the oil. A static compression test will only tell you about serious problems with cylinder sealing (i.e. broken ring, scarred cylinder walls), though it might help you track down a blown head gasket in some situations. A dynamic compression test will help you track down big restrictions in the intake or exhaust.

Just mod it and drive the piss out of it, this is what Mustangs are for. You think your car consumes oil -- my friend has a 95 GT vert that goes through a quart of oil every *200* miles. Funny to watch him at the track, he disappears into a cloud of blue smoke when he goes WOT.

Dave

 

[smokediver27]

LOL,,,a cloud of blue smoke huh???

Luckily, I dont have any smoke from the tailpipes, and oil still looks good when I change it.

I've read some posts that suggest changing back to conventional oil to limit consumption

You're right though, I just need to drive the hell out of it, and if worst comes to worst and the engine goes, it will sit a few months while I save for a crate engine (which I would have NO earthly idea how to install )

 

[331 cobra]

You should switch to a conventional motor oil, those synthetics are so slick, that they burn off or leak out much easier than regular oil.