How much oil consumption is acceptable?

[bikemaniac]

I have not driven 500 mi since I got the car :-)

[bikemaniac]

I was out on my first long trip yesterday. 150 mi in total. The car ran very good. I even made it run 60 mph. It idles perfect. From reading the dipstick I would estimate the oil consumption goes from "F" to "L" in 500 mi. I dont know how much oil is in between these two marks. Is that consumption problematic?

When I stop the car and jump out of the car to watch it below I see oil dripping and making a small puddle (1 inch diameter before the oil spreads after a while). It guess it stops after some minutes and does not drip anymore then. I think it also drips while driving ... but I have of course no evidence. How do I know if my babbits are damaged or that I "just" need to replace the rear seal? Or is it all within normalities?

Lucas

[Rex_A_Lott]

People look at things differently, so all you are getting is my opinion. Its worth exactly what you paid for it.
You know that your car car uses a little oil. You need to keep an eye on the level. If you have a real babbit problem, its probably going to warn you with a little knock. Thats why they put shims in there. Occasionally you have to take them out, until you run out. Then its time for a rebuild.
You would be surprised how little oil it takes to make a 1 inch spot. Maybe 3 drops.
If you start seeing blue smoke, the rings are probably worn out. No smoke, no knock, no worries, IMHO. Be glad it doesnt run hot.
Congratulations on your long drive. You should have many more, enjoy them!

[WHN]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

IF you follow the guidelines of changing oil every 500 miles, how much are you losing between changes??
Paul in CT

We have a strong rebuilt engine in our 29 that marks it spot each time I park it.

Uses about 1/4 quart of oil at oil change “500” miles.

I have heard that Ford back in the day would say one quart per 500 miles.

We use 20w-50 oil from Walmart. Enjoy.

[eagle]

You can always buy the drip catcher that mounts under the car. Cut a piece of diaper or ?? Pad to soak it up. As long as you aren't smoking out the neighborhood or fouling plugs let it be. Running straight 30
oil may help.

[fundytides]

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My first car was a 34 Ford V8. I think the saying "fill the oil and check the gas" was invented for this car. I carried a 99 cent gallon of Nugold 30 (sold by Canadian Tire) in the back and every time I drove the car I would top it up. Usually got a couple of weeks out of a gallon. Drove the car for a few months then sold it to a guy and told him to make sure he kept it full of oil. He followed my advice until about 6 months later, coming back from a 500 mile trip, the engine blew right in front of my house. He knocked on my door and asked if I would drive him home and said it was all his fault since he was tired on the way home and neglected to top up the oil. Doesn't answer your question but shows that our tolerance for old car's weaknesses maybe has changed.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by Tinbasher

Rule of Thumb I was taught was 1 qt of oil between a oil change.

John Poole

Now that really depends on how frequently you change you oil.

[Corley]

"Acceptable" is totally a personal thing. If you find it "acceptable" as is, that is all that matters. Not all will agree, but the old car hobby should be what you want to make it for yourself, not any set of rules that must be followed.

[Jim M]

Wow! I didn't know that was the guideline??? If you drive it a little every day and occasional Sunday jaunt you'd be changing it every month. Sounds like quite a bit??

[daren007]

Like we say in Aviation. As long as you run out of gas before you run out of oil you are ok.

[Bill G]

"acceptable" is a relative term. If you have a car that you drive very occasionally due to state licensing or insurance restrictions, then the cost of rebuilding the engine might seem excessive just to cure a little oil consumption. Especially on a car that (officially) calls for oil changes every 500 miles any way.

The prevalent thinking is that if your Model A doesn't leak, it must be empty.

[Hoovercw]

Before my rebuild I was using a quart every 75 miles. It would run like a top and go all day long as long as you kept it full of oil. Smoked but not as bad as you would think. I found most of the problem was oil going through the valve guides. It was the most worn out engine I had ever had apart that had not ended itself in catastrophic failure. It rarely if ever left a spot. Now its burning about 1/2 every 500 miles and but leaves spots when parked. Go figure.