New to the forum. Was referred by another member, that maybe some more useful info could be found here.
My 81 has just under 200K on it. All original engine. I have owned it since 89, and put more than half that mileage on it, so I am confident that although it has been used, it has not been abused.
My question deals with oil consumption. Sometimes, I use a qt in a hundred miles, and other times, I go four hundred without a whole quart being used. My favorite trips are all pretty much 800-1000 round trip, and will use up to five quarts of oil, more or less. Sometimes, I can go half the trip on a quart, and then I lose a lot on the second half. Uses lots of oil, but is erratic.
I did a compression test last year. Engine warm, throttle open, and FI turned off. Came back between 95, and 115 on all holes, so I am pleased that it is dying rather evenly
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Never put any oil in the holes to see what it does to the test results, nor have I done a leakdown. I am in "wondering what to do" mode so those things are on my list.
The plugs are text book perfect color. No sign of any oil.
It does not leak oil, at all, either sitting for a long time, or after an extended run. It used to leak, a lot
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There is not an excessive amount of oil on the bottom of the engine, nor is there very much, if any, film on the rear hatch.
I follow it as my son drives it, and there is no smoke at all.
The emissions tests come back in the lower half of allowed standards, and it does not even have a catalytic on it to help.
Now I know nothing lasts forever, and I don't imply that the oil is vanishing
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What I am curious to know, for any resident experts is, are there any seals or gaskets that I could replace without dropping the engine, or wrenching my back, that might be contributing to this problem, meaning where can the oil blow out, under pressure?
Ideally, I would replace the motor, but gas prices, and my wallet make that a dicey choice at this point in my life. It runs so dang smooth, gets 20-23 mpg, and has never failed me or left me hung out to dry, ( but for the fuel pump once) in spite of my 'online forum induced paranoia' "
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I am not that familiar with the design of the engine, to know where blow-by could occur. To lengthen this even more, I am considering doing the heads and cylinders/rings/pistons and leaving the bottom end alone, but do not know if that will allow me to replace all the potential problem seals. Do I have to split the case, to insure I get them all?
If you read this far, I sure appreciate it
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Thanks a lot,
John