Seem to be using alot of oil , any ideas?

themac · 02-01-2003

I seen other posts about which oil is the best. My question is alittle different, I think my stang is burning oil since I have to add atleast 3 to 4 litres last month after I did a oil change 5 weeks before. I have no blue smoke from my tailpipes nor leakin any oil. I know sports cars in general tend to need and use more oil than an avenge car. Anyways I just wanted to know what types of oils would work best for this problem.I also forgot to mention my car has 211,000km's Ive been told to use castrol high millage oil since it has addictives to help somewhat with this prob. any truth?

GT50 · 02-02-2003

themac, btw i edited the title too so it was a little clearer for your question.

As to your question, I think your engine is just plum worn out. It's a 5.0, Im sure all of the previous owners laid their foot into it many times. (I am to assume that you bought it used?) The valve guides are probably worn out as well as the piston rings, so oil usage of the quantity you are describing is common. Engines don't last forever.
But you can use some STP oil treatment or switch to a thicker grade like 10W40.
The best thing to do is to get a compression test done and leak down test of all the cylinders to verify the concern

Fordgazm · 02-02-2003

What pressure should it read ? Mine does the same thing. not as bad though!

GT50 · 02-02-2003

I would like to see about 20 to 30lbs at an idle and about 60 to 70 when reving through the gears. Having low oil pressure is mainly a concern of bearing wear not so much a burning oil. The larger the gap between your bearing shell and crankshaft journal the less the oil pressure becomes.

Fordgazm · 02-02-2003

I meant cylinder pressure sorry lol

GhostDog 5.0 · 02-02-2003

if you take the hose from the oil fill spout to the throttle body off, do you see any blowby smoke?

how's your pcv valve?

Sniper · 02-02-2003

I'd say it's just the age. You might as well check all the little things you can. Like Ghostdaog said, check your PCV valve and also replace the rubber grommet and filter screen that the valve sits in.

EZBNME · 02-02-2003

A good running 87 will have 170-180 psi cranking compression with throttle blade open. These cars use low tension oil rings from Ford and not uncommon to see one go through a quart of oil every 1000 miles.
Of course your car is worse. Doing a leak down test is the best way to determine condition of motor. With the miles you have it's worn out.

7DMACH1 · 02-02-2003

I second the post to replace the PCV valve and the filter below it. Make sure the hose isn't cloged. RAY

themac · 02-02-2003

how often you have to change the pcv valve? I changed it probably 12 months ago. I wanted to rebuild my engine but my buddy tells me not too since he says it runs good and still has alot of life left, his crown vic with 5.0 engine has 285,000km's and still cirps gears from 2nd to 3rd. Also he pointed out when he put an empty pop can on top of the manifold while the car is idling it didnt fall off and says thats a good thing (for a stock engine). Frank yes my car was bought used from 1 previous owner and I know they whacked it a few times but how many km's would you say you need to rebuild the engine? (i have 211,000 km's not miles). thanks for everyones advice. ps im going to do that compression test / leak down test tommorow

sedate88 · 02-03-2003

Mine also burns a little oil, approximately 1 quart per 1000 miles. This isn't necessarily something I should worry about? I'm going to use it as my daily driver so I want it to be very reliable, should I go ahead and rebuild it?

marks86gt · 02-04-2003

themac, your car only has 131,100 miles on it. My car has 320,000 km's on it. Trust me, my car uses oil but it runs really strong. I can see smoke only after it idles for more than a couple of minutes. This could be due to worn valve guides and seals. I want to rebuild, but I'm going to wait until next winter. This is my project car and not a daily driver. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure tokeep an eye on the oil. If you've got the money, go ahead.

themac · 02-04-2003

mark thank you for the great advice. my buddy tells me the samething about keepin eye on oil and not to worry about rebuilding. im a hard headed italian and just need some re-insurance. I was also wondering if I rebuild my engine will I notice a big difference in hp gain?

EZBNME · 02-04-2003

I feel the oil usage you're dealing with must be a concern as it should not need 3 to 4 litres a month. I have never seen guides use this much oil. The amount of oil your engine is consuming is your answer for a needed rebuild having no oil leaks.

themac · 02-04-2003

this was for last month. I will check my oil again today since its been a month I change my oil and see how much oil is needed again. Im hoping it was one bad month because usually it wasnt that bad where i needed 3 to 4 litres.