mystery--heavy oil usage

[laborboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

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I want to say thanks in advance to all the help I have received over the 
years from list members. Many problems solved by the generous time spent 
my fellow Mopar owners. Here'a a new one that has stumped me and my 
engine rebuilder:

I have a 1964 Dodge Polara 500 with original 383 engine. 18 months ago I 
rebuilt the engine, with the machinist doing his work (bored cylinders 
30, new pistons, new valves and guides, the works). Newly installed, the 
engine runs strong, but uses about a quart of oil every 200-300 miles. 
Didn't noticeably smoke except a puff on startup; seemed to be leaking 
from the rear main at high speeds. Pulled engine, replaced seal. Also 
found a few fouled plugs, so re-ringed it at the same time just to be 
safe. Put engine back, drove ever more carefully during the break-in. 
After several thousand miles, no more rear seal leak, but engine is 
STILL USING A QUART EVERY 250 miles!! 

Clues

Plug No. 2 or 3 on the left side was badly caked with hard, dark 
deposit, almost bridging gap (after 2000 miles). Similar but not as bad 
a plug on the other side. 

When I removed the engine the first time, you may remember that the 
engine stand tipped over with the engine on it, and smashed the crank 
pulley. Most list members predicted it had survived, the machinist found 
the crank in fine shape, and didn't notice any other problems. 

The machinist magnafluxed the block, but said it would not show any 
internal cracks.

Vacuum gauge shows a wobbling needle between 13-16 pounds at idle. One 
manual I have says this could be a sign of worn valve guides (the new 
guides came with the valve kit, and were brass). 

As you can imagine, this is a heart breaker, as its my first engine 
rebuild. I can't go on like this burning oil at this rate. I welcome 
speculation, suggestions, tests, etc! (And so does my poor machinist, 
who didn't charge me to redo the main seal, but is stumped on the 
continuing oil usage). 

Zack in Chicago


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