burning a bit of oil....

[moveoverGM]

The longer I own this little dent the more I love it. And I also learn more about it. My understanding from the ad and the person I bought the truck from said that the engine had about 500 miles on a new overhaul. I have put about 300 since I have bought the truck. The rebuild receipts and documentation were in the glove compartment. That happened in 2010. Now if one does the math then the truck must have been driven very little or sat for a while. At this time it starts right up cold and purrs like a kitten. My mechanic said that it might burn a bit of oil until the rings get seated well. Does anybody know how long I can expect to see a little oil consumption? How many miles? I notice no smoke and it runs nice but I do have to add a quart now and again. I hope that the rings are ok...
Any suggestions would be welcome. Donald.

 

[smokey]

What oil are you using in it?

 

[SuperCab]

I'd say higher than average oil consumption would be considered normal for 2-3,000 miles depending on the build specs. As randy indicated the oil you're using will have an impact as well.

 

[smokey]

For break in don't use synthetic oil. Use regular conventional dino oil. This will allow the rings to wear and seat in better.

 

[cbaker65]

+ 1
That happened to my dad one time,he used a certain oil when he
rebuilt an engine,the rings never seated an it started smoking real bad.

He drained the oil an mixed a little diesl fuel in with the oil an it cured
the problem ,then he rechanged the oil after awhile of running it.

I'm not recommending it for you ,but that's what he did!...

 

[taxreliever]

I'd say higher than average oil consumption would be considered normal for 2-3,000 miles depending on the build specs. As randy indicated the oil you're using will have an impact as well.

That and at higher speeds, right Frank? I only say this because neither of my dents (both engines were completely rebuilt with all new parts) burn any oil whatsoever, I think because I basically tool around town in them at lower speeds and only to the tune of 1000-1500 miles a year.....BUT when I drove both rigs on long highway trips when I initially bought them (77-Washington state to Maine/79-South Carolina to Maine), I had to top them both off every other fill up or so....it wasn't much...half quart or so I think.

 

[moveoverGM]

I am using 10W-50 Valvoline from Walmart. Where can I buy the oil I should really be using? And what weight? Will an auto parts store have it? If 2-3000 miles or so is a rule of thumb then I have a while to go. I don't drive the truck very hard. Almost no interstate at all. Most speeds are around 55 or less. I did drive it at 65 to 70 on the way home when I bought it but that is all.

Thanks!! Donald

 

[moveoverGM]

By the way, I just wanted to express my appreciation for the information and suggestions from my friends here on FTF. I have never owned a dent before and I want to take the best care of it I can. I find it encouraging that there is the depth of experience here and great guys willing to help a newbie like me!
I stopped by Duncan Donuts this morning on my way to work as usual. A young man of about 25 asked about the truck and said he really liked it. That makes me feel good that I am preserving a bit of history!

Thanks again! Donald.

 

[smokey]

Either 10w40 or 10w30 is the normal weight old.
I wonder if they did a proper break in of the engine. We normally ran the engine around 3500-4000rpm in park for around 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on what material the rings they used in the rebuilding the harder rings take longer to seat.

 

[moveoverGM]

I looked at the old bottle I last used and it is conventional 10W-30 Valvoline.
Hope this helps.

 

[SuperCab]

That and at higher speeds, right Frank? I only say this because neither of my dents (both engines were completely rebuilt with all new parts) burn any oil whatsoever, I think because I basically tool around town in them at lower speeds and only to the tune of 1000-1500 miles a year.....BUT when I drove both rigs on long highway trips when I initially bought them (77-Washington state to Maine/79-South Carolina to Maine), I had to top them both off every other fill up or so....it wasn't much...half quart or so I think.

It's technically high rpm not the actual road speed that causes it of course but yes, sustained high rpm operation can cause higher oil consumption

 

[moveoverGM]

CB, love that 68'!

 

[cbaker65]

By the way, I just wanted to express my appreciation for the information and suggestions from my friends here on FTF. I have never owned a dent before and I want to take the best care of it I can. I find it encouraging that there is the depth of experience here and great guys willing to help a newbie like me!
I stopped by Duncan Donuts this morning on my way to work as usual. A young man of about 25 asked about the truck and said he really liked it. That makes me feel good that I am preserving a bit of history!

Thanks again! Donald.

CB, love that 68'!

Thnx...

Yea I enjoy driving it. people all the time tell me they like it.

I really get a joy blowing by people that are broken down on the freeway
in their new cars!...