RE: IML: Oil usage theories

["Michael O. Mann" <mann340s@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dan,

I would fall into the "otherwise" category, but since you allowed for those
responses....

If you don't get smoke at startup, and don't have other evidence of trouble,
drive it.  If your oil pressure is tolerable, and doesn't drop significantly
after it's well warmed up, I suggest waiting until you are ready to do a
complete rebuild, or until your engine demands it.  If you do only the
heads, the likely improved compression may force the rebuild sooner than if
you leave the engine alone.

If oil pressure drops when it's warm, and you are using a heavy oil already,
maybe the rebuild is sooner than you plan.  Without loss of oil pressure, if
it runs fairly smoothly, and isn't making ugly noises, continue to pay close
attention, and enjoy it.

Michael


_______________________________________________

Hello everyone (& Dave):

I have excessive oil usage on my '67 Imperial engine.  Not much of a
surprise with 150K+, and sitting for a decade.  1 quart/150 miles at 70 mph,
& 1 quart/300 miles at 45ish avg. mph around town.  I know the correct
answer is to do a complete rebuild.  Can't quite pop for that right now, as
there are too many other priorities for my next $3000.

Compression check months ago was OK, no blue smoke at cold start up (even if
sitting for days), no blue smoke at hard acceleration, or after idle - just
no blue smoke at all.  Idles and drives quite well, gets about 11 mpg.
Pulled the plugs yesterday after 3000 miles, and they were nicely
tanned/greyed, clean everywhere except wet oil on the threads.

Dave had mentioned earlier that big block Mopars have a tendency to need
valve seals.  If that is what's indicated by the above evidence, I could
probably find the resources to pull the heads.

Any expert (or otherwise) theories and thoughts would be most welcomed.

Dan Richardson
300L Family Heirloom



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