I've been totally tearing apart and rebuilding a 40's model Studebaker pickup...
However I'm not much of a motor man.
Here's my question..

My girlfriend has a 1993(??) Pontiac Sunbird
Has about 160,000 miles on it.
I noted recently it seems to be using a lot of oil
Her "check oil" light came on a week or so ago, and it was almost a quart low on oil. So I filled it up and now after she has driven less than 200 miles it is almost a quart low on oil again..
Now,.. when I follow her there's not the slightest whisp of smoke out of the car (or exhaust).. and she parks on the same spot on the driveway every night, and not a single drop on the drive..
So what gives. No oil in the water, and no water in the oil...
Everything seems to be performing fine,.. just LOTS of oil disappears for no reason.
I know it's a 4 cylinder,.. but I wouldn't think it should use THIS much oil..
Any ideas.

 

I've had more than 1 old vehicle that used oil but didn't show a lot of smoke. It's coming out the tail pipe, it just isn't all that visible. I've often wondered how much oil those cars you see going down the road with a steady stream of blue smoke use. I've had worn out motors that used a lot of oil but it only showed if you really tromped on the accelerator.

 

Make sure oil check is done with vehicle level the same. And that no oil getting in at air filter area(remove air cleaner) and that PCV system is good. and that no oil leaks on engine seeping out and cooking on the engine itself. Have you pulled the plugs to see if any evidence that any one cylinder in particular might be leaving signs on one plug more than others. Compression check? Maybe you can add some miracle fluid that seals cylinder scratches, or a motor honey additive. Have you checked car at cold-engine start-up, to see if it smokes then? - if so, valve seals often cause, if only smokes then. Often rings, if you follow behind car and have them accelerate, let off the qas then punch it again, then let off again to draw high engine vacuum, and carefully observe.

200 miles = 2000 blocks. So what is 1/2000th of a quart in volume, to see that out the exhaust per block? Something to ponder.

And I agree what Mark says as I too have had lots of experience the way he says. Quite the resume' of junk car collection in my life.

Good luck on your Study. If you need to know something, ask, as I work for guy who is probably somewhat of an expert, as he has collection, and Study's were family business. He drives around a couple of the old pickups, himself. I love the way they look under the hood. Nothing there, compared to today, and compared to his bells and whistles F250 that requires pulling the cab to work on the engine!!(nuts!!!). Basic, engine, a few wires - that's it. My kinda engine compartment.

 

Thanks for the replies,.. and suggestions of things to do and look for.
I'll check them out.

as far as the Stude, I'm looking for some side grille sections for an M5 pickup. If you know of someone who may have some (reasonable price) then I may be interested.
Heck I'll post the link to where I have worked on it so far

Untitled Document

about 4 pages of pics and descriptions.
350 SB, extended cab, Mustang II IFS... you get the idea
Anyone feel free to drop me a note if need be

 

I will ask the landlord, regarding your Stude query.

 

Check all of the above. Same experience with our 180,000+ Chevy Tahoe with diesel engine (worn rings, very bad blowby), additional symptom is increased crankcase pressure which will eventually damage upper and lower seals.

Began using Engine Restore & Lubricant (chrome and black cans, sizes available for 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines) with every oil change. Reduced oil consumption ALMOST completely after the 3rd oil change. After that, used in every 3rd or 4th oil change. 250,000+ now. We neither own stock nor are we resellers. Shake can very well before pouring... works well with motor honey products.