Oil ConsumptionA

[Deansy]

Hi everyone

I've recently bought a 1963 Mk2 3.8 and am loving owning one. I've recently done a 500 mile motorway trip and noticed the oil was low when checking it at each 250 mile interval. The engine is tight and returns an oil pressure of between 40-60 when cold or hot. It weeps a little towards the back of the engine but we are talking a few drops not a waterfall!

What is the typical oil consumption on these cars? I had to top it up with about a 0.5-1 litre at each 250 mile point. Is that high or normal? There's no blue smoke from the exhaust either.

Any replies would be much appreciated.

[sweller]

My 3.8s consumes a similar amount, in similar circumstances - 70-80 mph motorway cruising and again, like yours, it's relatively oil tight (if only the power steering was too!). I used a bit over a litre on a 600 mile Christmas relative visiting 'tour'.

I have noticed when left idling for long periods (recently, when checking the electric fan was working correctly) there will be a puff of blue smoke when initially revved - nothing major but a definite brief haze.

I suspect the valve guides are worn. There is some misting from the engine breather but not enough to indicate a real problem or to point at rings.

I use 10/40 semi synth oil.

Regards,

Simon

[Deansy]

Thanks for your reply Simon - bit of a relief on my part to know it's not just mine! Think I might buy shares in an oil refinery!

When I bought the car it had been serviced and filled with 20W 50 Mineral oil so I've continued with that.

What does everyone else use? What's the best to use?

[sweller]

I've been slightly more scientific in measuring oil consumption (in that I've actually gone out and looked at how much oil is left in the can) than in my last answer.

The result is heavier consumption than I first thought. It's used 3.5 - 4 litres in just over a 1000 miles of motorway work.

Which is a bit concerning. I may revert to 20/50 mineral at the next change and see what happens.

Although, on the upside it's turning in 22-24 mpg and has coped with aplomb the snow here in Sussex.

Simon

[Deansy]

Hi Simon,

I think mine has used probably 2-3 litres for approx. 750 miles so it's probably not too dissimilar. Sounds like 1 litre = 250 miles. I'll check the oil can too when I get a chance and post an update if it's more or less than this.

Was watching an old Jeremy Clarkson show (Meet the Neighbours) the other night. He was driving around Europe in an E-Type (4.2) and at one point in France (first part of his journey around Europe) he had to pull over as his oil pressure disappeared - he needed an oil top up too! From what I've read, the XK engine does burn through oil generally just hadn't realised just how much. Motorway use probably exacerbates this I guess.

I got 24 mpg for the motorway drive (was very pleasantly surprised) but overall only 15mpg when you factor in the London stop start piece of the journey. Could see the petrol guage drop rapidly as I crawled along!

[peterdpps]

I find that you need 20/50 to reduce consumption. Castrol GTX or Duckhams 20/50 depending on availability. My 240 doesn't use a great deal of oil; it loses most of it on the garage floor

Joking apart, consumption is not a real problem. I haven't measured it but I remember doing a trip from Birmingham to Reims and back without adding any oil. Level on dipstick had dropped but was still between min and max.

[peterdpps]

I find that you need 20/50 to reduce consumption. Castrol GTX or Duckhams 20/50 depending on availability. My 240 doesn't use a great deal of oil; it loses most of it on the garage floor

Joking apart, consumption is not a real problem. I haven't measured it but I remember doing a trip from Birmingham to Reims and back without adding any oil. Level on dipstick had dropped but was still between min and max.