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oil consumption on a new engine

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Old Jun 5, 2005 | 10:50 PM
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default oil consumption on a new engine

when does the oil consumption start to go down on a new engine build?


so far i have about 1600 miles on the engine and am running 10w30 valvoline....and its using about 8 oz every 300 miles....its not leaking and its not burning it.....i know i have a really strong PCV vacuum....so anyway when does the oil consumption start to taper off?
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Old Jun 5, 2005 | 11:10 PM
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I consider 1/2 qt on 1000 miles normal..... I don't think you have to worry about the engine
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Old Jun 5, 2005 | 11:18 PM
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My new 383 both leaked and burned a bit of oil for the first 500-800 miles.I had many people tell me "that ain't right" or "thats perfectly normal till the rings seat"-----Now at about 1500 mile it's not burning or leaking anything.... So from experience I thinks it's pretty normal....I wouldn't worry about it unless it pretty severe.
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 12:47 AM
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Thats normal

www.pugesekmotorsports.com
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 08:43 AM
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Yeah, normal for now. Probably the rings haven't set just yet. My dad had one that took 3-5k to seat fully and stop using oil. Im sure you've already done it, but continue to do the "engine break-in procedure" drive at cruise speed then accelerate and keep changing RPMs to help the rings set.
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 08:44 AM
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
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Originally Posted by vette rod
is there a specific link inthis for me to go or is it just a cool site ?
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by oregonsharkman
My new 383 both leaked and burned a bit of oil for the first 500-800 miles.I had many people tell me "that ain't right" or "thats perfectly normal till the rings seat"-----Now at about 1500 mile it's not burning or leaking anything.... So from experience I thinks it's pretty normal....I wouldn't worry about it unless it pretty severe.
I used to use about a quart every 500 miles (extrapolation since I never let it get down a quart) in my new engine but I just did 230 miles this weekend for the tuning with Lars and there is no appreciable drop in oil level.
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 10:19 AM
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Steve I remember you having an oil problem, did it turn out to be break in or seal related? Sorry I missed the tune session.
Gary
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by gtr1999
Steve I remember you having an oil problem, did it turn out to be break in or seal related? Sorry I missed the tune session.
Gary
I'd say a combination of both. I finally got some valve seals that will stay in place and I think the rings are finally seating.
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by bobs77vet
its not leaking and its not burning it?
Is someone draining it or is it evaporating?

I would guess it's burning it since you would be able see it if it leaked. One quart per 500 miles is still considered acceptable. I would think a quart or less per 3000 miles in much more typical for most engines.
Is the engine using forged pistons? They typically will burn more oil than cast.
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Old Jun 6, 2005 | 10:56 AM
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
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Originally Posted by mandm1200
Is someone draining it or is it evaporating?

I would guess it's burning it since you would be able see it if it leaked. One quart per 500 miles is still considered acceptable. I would think a quart or less per 3000 miles in much more typical for most engines.
Is the engine using forged pistons? They typically will burn more oil than cast.
i guess i meant not "burning it" in the sense of blue smoke coming out of the exhaust like i had a broken ring... i realize that if it is being sucked up in the PCV, or being consumed in little amounts it is actually getting burned....i can't recall which piston is the "fancier" of the two, i'm sure its using the plain jane version, i beleive its the stock type. i guess i have been spoiled by my new cars that don't leak or burn oil.....
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