RE: mystery--heavy oil usage

[Dave Mutchler <DMUTCHLER@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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laborboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> 
> 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

The puff of smoke on start up is valve guides or seals. Did you remember 
to put seals in with the new guides? I'm not trying to be a smart ass, 
it happens. My truck had identical symptons to yours, oil usage, fouled 
plugs, new seals stopped it immediatly. If you put seals in they may be 
the wrong style or just faulty or put in wrong. Good luck.
Dave

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