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September 29th, 2008

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Q & A: Oil Consumption

Wednesday January 04th, 2006
Q & A, MGA, MGB, MGC, MG T-Type, Midget
John

I saw a note in MGB driver that we (members of NAMBGR) can e-mail you and ask a question concering problems with their car.

I just went to the "triathlon" in VT last weekend and had some difficulty keeping oil in the engine. I drove approx 600 miles and used 8 quarts of oil. (not good).

Prior to this trip, I was having a high temperature situation to which I replaced the radiator , checked the water pump and removed the thermostat. we learned that the head gasket was leaking. (at this time I would use about 1 quart of oil every 400-500 miles). I had the head gasket replaced and the head reworked. (valves ground)

Max rpm was 3,000-3,500 during the trip.

If I kept the speed down below 3,000 rpm on the return trip & it seemed to reduce the oil usage.

there is no smoke from the exhaust, no leaking, compression is 125 in all cylinders, spark plugs are black a bit sooty but not fouled.

If you hold your hand approximately 2-3 inches from the exhaust you get small crystalized particles on you hand. (they do not smear like oil)

Can you assist in what might be the problem?

Gary
Gary!

Oil consumption is caused by leaking or by burning. If the engine is leaking it's obvious when you park -- there will be oil drips or puddles larger than a nickel or quarter sized drop that the "dry" ones leave. If... read more