Is this normal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71402BB · 04-13-2002, 07:23 AM

I have a rebuilt 350 that is pretty stock with about 6,000 mi's in my 68 burb. It does leak or burn any oil but is using 1 quart of oil every 1,000 mi's! Is this normal?

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71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

Luckymic34 · 04-13-2002, 07:27 AM

That seems like allot to me. Mine goes threw about half a quart every 3,000 miles and I have about 30,000 on my motor.

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68 custom stepside PS,PB
350 with Vortec Heads,Carter 650, Edelbrock Performer,HEI,
Crane Enegizer 266, Headmen headers
40 series Flowmasters, B&M hole shot
2,000 rmp stall, TCI TH350 Streetfighter,
4.10 gears
Virginia Beach, VA by way of
Houston, TX

71402BB · 04-13-2002, 07:31 AM

well it's not quite a quart. it's more like 3/4 of a quart. rings not seated yet?

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71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

REPO1 · 04-13-2002, 07:42 AM

Its possible that the rings never seated properly. Try giving the engine a good workout. Pulling a loaded car trailer or something like that can actually put a good load on an engine, and sometimes help the rings to seat.

Personally, with every engine I have built, I have never done the break-in thing. Just get it together, bolt the hood on, and drive it like you stole it. Never had a problem, and they havn't burnt oil.

Just my opinion.

------------------
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada

1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper
402BB Turbo 400 trans.
A/C, P/S, manual brakes.
75,800 Original Miles!!
'71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto
'97 Z28 -- Runs 11.5 @ 118mph.

71402BB · 04-13-2002, 09:32 AM

any one else? TTT

------------------
71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

lukecp · 04-13-2002, 09:45 AM

Mine uses praticly no oil (rebuilt 350 with about 12xxx miles). Be sure you have no leaks at all. I would look all over the motor, and see if you can find any "wet" spots.

------------------
Lucas

"Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built"

drop_shift@hotmail.com

My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include TBI fuel injection, a 700R4 tranny, and possibly some 3.73 rear gears.

Gordo · 04-13-2002, 11:49 AM

Mine went a good 10K before it stopped using oil, now it doesn't touch a drop. We used hard rings.

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi
Killingworth, Connecticut

**Desert Rat** · 04-13-2002, 11:55 AM

Maybe it has only a leak when its screaming down the road and doesnt drip on the motor.Hey at that rate you wont ever haveto change the oil-look at it on the positive side!!!If i remember to check oil i usually got to dumo a quart or 2.but its got probably over 250,000 and it leaks and has a slight blue cloud,but im waiting for her to pass along,so i can put in something else.I wont do it till somethings broke!!!!

Southpa · 04-13-2002, 02:27 PM

I saved my 1000th post for you! heheh

How long ago was the motor rebuilt? Yeah, I know, 6000 miles ago. Getting any blue smoke on startup? My truck used to use that much oil (DOES NOT leak, btw) and after replacing the valve seals, oil consumption is waaayyy down. You could also try using a heavier oil like 20W50 if you aren't already.

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Southpa
1970 GMC 1500 Custom
Victoria, BC, Canada
http://communities.msn.com/Alsplac/shoebox.msnw

[This message has been edited by Southpa (edited April 13, 2002).]

69 longhorn · 04-13-2002, 05:27 PM

They are all different. Any of the "loose" perf engines I have done will eat a quart per thou....dont get any better. I did a 351 W ,for my couger with moly rings. She was set up strictly street,took off on vacation with 1000 miles on a fresh overhaul. The thing sipped a quart per 600-700 miles for about 3/4 of the trip......after that never did use oil! It took 3500-4000 mi to seat it in.........69 longhorn.

704x4 · 04-13-2002, 06:03 PM

I'd say most v8's use a little oil if they didn't your valves would seize up for sure, id also say that if you can keep it under 1 quart every 3000 miles your doing good. From my experiences if an engines oil level always stays the same you will smell a slight gas smell in the oil after you change it, meaning it has been deluted by fuel that has passed the rings (many will probably disagree, but an engine must burn at least a little oil down the valve guides and some will stay in the cross hatches so the motor won't seize up).
jsut my 2 cents worth

oldyeller · 04-13-2002, 09:16 PM

could be a few things, what weight of oil are you using, it could be too thick, have had a few motors that would use a quart in 3000mi on 10w30, but switched to 5w30 and doesn't use any. Could also be like 69 longhorn said, the tolerances could be a little loose causing oil to pass. or could be the rings never seated good. keep us posted.

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72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350
97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT
Anna, Texas

O'l Buck · 04-13-2002, 09:27 PM

I'd say the rings probably haven't seated yet, sometimes you have to work them pretty hard to get the job done, I don't worry too much about break-in either, let the cam break in for about 20 minutes and then drive it like i'm gonna be using it.

71402BB · 04-16-2002, 07:46 PM

well first I'd like to say no oil spots found in the driveway. I'm not gettting any puffs of blue or any other colored smoke at start up. the oil pressure is wicked good! (between the 3/4 mark and the H on the oil pressure scale) and it just runs damn smooth! Oh and I think I gave it a work out, on saterday night after I got out of work I headed down to Concord NH about 80 mi's south of me and held her at 60-65 the whole way! remember she has 4.11's and stock size tires on her.

------------------
71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

71402BB · 04-17-2002, 05:13 PM

TTT

------------------
71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

04-13-2002, 07:23 AM	#1
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	Is this normal? I have a rebuilt 350 that is pretty stock with about 6,000 mi's in my 68 burb. It does leak or burn any oil but is using 1 quart of oil every 1,000 mi's! Is this normal? ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

04-13-2002, 07:27 AM	#2
Luckymic34 Whisky Bent & Hell Bound Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 430	That seems like allot to me. Mine goes threw about half a quart every 3,000 miles and I have about 30,000 on my motor. ------------------ 68 custom stepside PS,PB 350 with Vortec Heads,Carter 650, Edelbrock Performer,HEI, Crane Enegizer 266, Headmen headers 40 series Flowmasters, B&M hole shot 2,000 rmp stall, TCI TH350 Streetfighter, 4.10 gears Virginia Beach, VA by way of Houston, TX __________________ 68 custom stepside PS,PB 350 with Vortec Heads,Carter 650, Edelbrock Performer,HEI, Crane Enegizer 266, Headmen headers 40 series Flowmasters, B&M hole shot 2,000 rmp stall, TCI TH350 Streetfighter, 4.10 gears 2003 Harley Davidson 883C San Diego, CA by way of Houston, TX

04-13-2002, 07:31 AM	#3
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	well it's not quite a quart. it's more like 3/4 of a quart. rings not seated yet? ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

04-13-2002, 07:42 AM	#4
REPO1 Shortbox wanna-be. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fort St.John, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 773	Its possible that the rings never seated properly. Try giving the engine a good workout. Pulling a loaded car trailer or something like that can actually put a good load on an engine, and sometimes help the rings to seat. Personally, with every engine I have built, I have never done the break-in thing. Just get it together, bolt the hood on, and drive it like you stole it. Never had a problem, and they havn't burnt oil. Just my opinion. ------------------ Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper 402BB Turbo 400 trans. A/C, P/S, manual brakes. 75,800 Original Miles!! '71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto '97 Z28 -- Runs 11.5 @ 118mph. __________________ 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper 402BB Turbo 400 trans. (Slowly becoming a '70 shortbox 1/2 ton) '71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto '97 Z28 (11.41@127MPH)

04-13-2002, 09:32 AM	#5
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	any one else? TTT ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

04-13-2002, 09:45 AM	#6
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Mine uses praticly no oil (rebuilt 350 with about 12xxx miles). Be sure you have no leaks at all. I would look all over the motor, and see if you can find any "wet" spots. ------------------ Lucas "Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built" drop_shift@hotmail.com My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include TBI fuel injection, a 700R4 tranny, and possibly some 3.73 rear gears. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

04-13-2002, 11:49 AM	#7
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Mine went a good 10K before it stopped using oil, now it doesn't touch a drop. We used hard rings. ------------------ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi Killingworth, Connecticut __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

04-13-2002, 11:55 AM	#8
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	Maybe it has only a leak when its screaming down the road and doesnt drip on the motor.Hey at that rate you wont ever haveto change the oil-look at it on the positive side!!!If i remember to check oil i usually got to dumo a quart or 2.but its got probably over 250,000 and it leaks and has a slight blue cloud,but im waiting for her to pass along,so i can put in something else.I wont do it till somethings broke!!!!

04-13-2002, 02:27 PM	#9
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,410	I saved my 1000th post for you! heheh How long ago was the motor rebuilt? Yeah, I know, 6000 miles ago. Getting any blue smoke on startup? My truck used to use that much oil (DOES NOT leak, btw) and after replacing the valve seals, oil consumption is waaayyy down. You could also try using a heavier oil like 20W50 if you aren't already. ------------------ Southpa 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Victoria, BC, Canada http://communities.msn.com/Alsplac/shoebox.msnw [This message has been edited by Southpa (edited April 13, 2002).] __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

04-13-2002, 05:27 PM	#10
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	They are all different. Any of the "loose" perf engines I have done will eat a quart per thou....dont get any better. I did a 351 W ,for my couger with moly rings. She was set up strictly street,took off on vacation with 1000 miles on a fresh overhaul. The thing sipped a quart per 600-700 miles for about 3/4 of the trip......after that never did use oil! It took 3500-4000 mi to seat it in.........69 longhorn. __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-13-2002, 06:03 PM	#11
704x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Greene, Iowa Posts: 150	I'd say most v8's use a little oil if they didn't your valves would seize up for sure, id also say that if you can keep it under 1 quart every 3000 miles your doing good. From my experiences if an engines oil level always stays the same you will smell a slight gas smell in the oil after you change it, meaning it has been deluted by fuel that has passed the rings (many will probably disagree, but an engine must burn at least a little oil down the valve guides and some will stay in the cross hatches so the motor won't seize up). jsut my 2 cents worth __________________ 70 3/4 ton 4x4 FOR SALE Greene, IA

04-13-2002, 09:16 PM	#12
oldyeller Captain CAAAVVVMMMAAANNN! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Anna Texas Posts: 726	could be a few things, what weight of oil are you using, it could be too thick, have had a few motors that would use a quart in 3000mi on 10w30, but switched to 5w30 and doesn't use any. Could also be like 69 longhorn said, the tolerances could be a little loose causing oil to pass. or could be the rings never seated good. keep us posted. ------------------ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas __________________ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas check out the project old yeller

04-13-2002, 09:27 PM	#13
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	I'd say the rings probably haven't seated yet, sometimes you have to work them pretty hard to get the job done, I don't worry too much about break-in either, let the cam break in for about 20 minutes and then drive it like i'm gonna be using it. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

04-16-2002, 07:46 PM	#14
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	well first I'd like to say no oil spots found in the driveway. I'm not gettting any puffs of blue or any other colored smoke at start up. the oil pressure is wicked good! (between the 3/4 mark and the H on the oil pressure scale) and it just runs damn smooth! Oh and I think I gave it a work out, on saterday night after I got out of work I headed down to Concord NH about 80 mi's south of me and held her at 60-65 the whole way! remember she has 4.11's and stock size tires on her. ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

04-17-2002, 05:13 PM	#15
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	TTT ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)



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