Unless it is litterally pouring out, if unusual oil consumption is
occuring a compression check is always in order as a first step. Then go
from there.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

steeles wrote:

>Hey all:
>On a newly rebuilt engine(sold by a List vendor, yet unnamed), after +/-
>3500 miles the owner is experiencing  about 2 quarts of oil usage/leak per
>oil change.  I looked at it for her...doesn't appear to be using it, there
>is a small leak at the front (rear of the van) main seal. Oil appears also
>to be dripping slightly from the dip stick tube.  In checking the air inlet
>hose and the hose from the breather stack, there appears to a HEAVY film of
>oil.  All other connections and fittings appear to be tight and proper.
>I haven't driven the van for more than just a couple of blocks, but it does
>seem to have a little more condensate from the exhaust pipe than any of my
>vans.
>So here's my question,  is the engine oil being compressed by a bad head
>gasket?  I originally thought it was a bad main seal...but the other areas
>are causing me to think about compression.  I have no way nor time to do a
>leak down test for the next few weeks and the owner wants to do a coast to
>coast trip in about ten days.  Opinions?
>As always TIA.
>Stephen
>Chillicothe Ohio
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