yeah, I agree................one qt ( or one liter ) per 600 miles......
sounds exactly like what a manufacturer would say is 'acceptable' ,
and that wouldn't be 'that bad' anyway.

but a qt. in 400 miles.......
even that doesn't sound 'that' bad.
is there any blue smoke from the tail pipe ?
is there a puff of smoke on start up ?
are there any oil leaks ?
those engines were known for valve seal issues when they first came out.
And valve seals can be replaced with the head left on the engine, and engine
in the van.
also, does it have a cat and oxygen sensor ?
you can have an engine that burns oil very nicely ...........
but if it has a good cat and working oxygen sensor ...........sometimes it
burns oil, but you never see any blue smoke.
Valve seals strike me as likely, and fitting your symptoms, and I'd consider
that route for achieving a repair.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill MacLachlan" <billmacla@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 7:10 PM
Subject: oil consumption

> Hi all.... I need a little list help.
>
> What's an acceptable oil consumption for an 1800 inline4 motor?
>
> Why do I ask?
> I had a shop supply and install a used 1800 I4 motor in my '82 van to
> replace a  dead I4. I've put 2500+/- miles on it in the past year.It's
> using
> oil - a half litre in under 200 miles.
> Feels way high for me.
> I've been told 1 litre/1000k ( 600 miles) is acceptable.
>
> comments?
>
> thanks all
>
> Bill M
> 82 Gl I4