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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