Just returned from my hols and after the trip down to dorset (250 ish miles) and some local driving I had to top the oil up as the dipstick showed about 50 %. This happened last time I did a long drive. All ran great but is it normal to burn this mutant of oil. Cant see any real leaks and it only burns it on the long drives. I normally stick to 55/60. Thanks
Really does depend on the condition and mileage of the engine!! Could be the piston rings or the valve guides... what engine do you have?
Best thing to do is a compression test... this'll give you a rough indication of what condition the engine is in... Around 120psi, and it'll be wear in the valve guides, under 100psi, and the engine is getting worn out!!
Ive had it over a year now and only noticed it on two long runs. Pressure tested this morning on one and is at 115 but sadly turns out one of the spark plugs has been cross threaded and wrecked the head. Managed to just get it back in for now but now have that little problem waiting for me in winter
Mine leaks worse on long runs when it gets hot. It almost certainly does not burn oil until the leaked oil drips onto the exhaust... Sure its not a leak when the oil starts circulating through the cooler when the engine is hot? I still havent found the leak on mine either the cooler assembly or a crack inthe block under the fan shroud.
And what I thought was a crossed thread on my no.4 cylinder was actually roughness caused by a crack from the valve seat.
I only ask because i find its best to check your oil with the camper parked in the same place. It sounds daft but I find the slightest slope really alters the level on the dipstick. I used to be really over the top with keeping the level on the full mark, I now try and keep it right in the middle between the lines on the stick. Hardly ever top it up these days!
