Marc3.4V6

iTrader: (1)

Didn't notice this until I got the low oil light about 500-1k before the next oil change. I now check it periodically and notice the oil only reaches to the first hole on the dipstick after roughly 1500 miles. I change every 3k miles and use to use mobil 1 5w30 full syn, then changed to valvoline syn, and now have been trying different oils and am on a valvoline or maybe castrol syntec blend, can't remember.

I have a relatively new motor, haven't had any problems with it since my head gasket change (did both) at 12k miles. The heads were sent to my build shop and they didn't change the valve seals because they said they were fine, could this be it? I'm not getting any smoke that I can notice, and I have been looking. When I got my motor it was suggested that I might use a thicker oil, but I'm not sure what to use. Any suggestions?

Wicked94Z

iTrader: (26)

its kinda high, but not too bad. You'll go through o2 sensors more often... I wouldn't worry about it.

Spiers

iTrader: (7)

I would start with a compression test.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

A compression test doesn't necessarily reveal whether or not the oil rings are worn.

Speedy

How old is this engine? Get a compression test and a leak-down test. If the engine has a history of blowing headgaskets it might have done so again. Did you have the heads milled after the last headgasket blew?

Marc3.4V6

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies. The engine was rebuilt at about 120k miles with a different block (used i think), and I have since put on about 20k miles. During the head gasket change, the heads were milled and the valves were replaced along with a valve job on the heads. They re-used the valve seals because they said they were fine and right where they were supposed to be. I did all other work myself in my driveway.

I'm going to start with a new pcv valve for starters from what I have read about oil consumption and go from there onto suggestions in this thread. A lot of people have gone to oil breathers for this but it seems kinda like a band-aid in my situation.

Thanks.

meine96ws6

iTrader: (4)

Do you drive the car really hard? or have you noticed any leaks from anywhere? I would do a close inspection underneath before you throw parts at it..

Marc3.4V6

iTrader: (1)

To my co-workers it would seem so, but in reality I quite rarely even go above 4000-4500rpms. A PCV valve is a $4 part, it's the only part I plan to throw at it.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Reusing valve seals is a terrible idea...

Marc3.4V6

iTrader: (1)

uh-oh....I'm not 100% sure that's what happened as I can't find the paperwork on it, but I'm pretty sure that's what they told me, I've got a good memory...sometimes =). How much do they cost anyways? They showed me the old valves and I agreed it would be best to replace them , why would it not be the same to replace the valve seals to be safe? They are probably cheaper than the valves and the whole thing was torn down anyhow.

Spiers

iTrader: (7)

Valve seals are so cheap and easy to replace that it was foolish not to do it at the time. But I doubt that is the problem.