Well I've been burning quite a bit of oil (1qt/500 miles if I'm beating on it, but probably 1qt/1000-1500 if it's all freeway), so I decided to do a compression test.

I did it before reading, and did it cold... so it might not be exactly the right compression numbers, but it should show any differences anyway.

The result: 190psi across the board. Looks like my engine is in pretty good shape I think, right? It certainly doesn't have any bad cylinders.

I pulled all 4 plugs out, but didn't pull any fuses (didn't seem to get any fuel anyway, I think WOT cranking it's trying to clear a flooded engine or something?).

Where should the numbers be, and should I do the test warm?

 

test warm pull ecu 10a fuse and have car floored

 

And what should the numbers be? I can't imagine getting a lower result with a warm engine than a cold on anyway.

 

yeah 190 psi sounds healthy.

 

So any ideas as to why I'm burning so much oil if my compression numbers are good?

 

What kinda mods do u have? Mayb a intake mani and no tune will do it for ya?

 

since your burning oil, do a dry and wet comp test

 

No mods, unless you count removing the intake resonator that sits below the airbox (ie on the dirty side of it). Doing that didn't do anything to oil consumption though, it burned just as much before.

 

when was the last time you replaced your pcv valve?

 

I doubt it's ever been replaced... I take it I should?

 

190 is a sign of carbon build up in your engine
it shouldn't be that high
i was told if you mix like 1- 1 1/2 gallons of racing fuel into you FULL tank that it will help decarbonize your engine and a quart every 1500 miles of hard driving is normal for a higher mileage engine assuming you didn't always own it and reguraly maintain it

 

Well my dad always owned it, but he didn't take great care of it. I know he let the timing belt break, it's possible that some valves had to get replaced (he doesn't remember) but I don't see how the compression ratio would get bumped up at all there (no reason to mill the head or anything).


I beat on it pretty hard though, there'e been times when my right foot has stayed down in the powerband for a full minute so it isn't like I let a ton of carbon build up. I'd be very surprised about race gas cleaning out any carbon, but I'll try running some seafoam through it.

 

Stock numbers for your engine are 185psi.... so those are good

 

I feel you on that problem...

I have a B18A1...i have a mysterious oil consumption...i would have to say burning...it is called "Start-up syndrome"...i have heard from a bunch of people it is common in old cars...this is where you have a small leak in your piston rings and if you let your car sit for an extended period of time (as it gets worse even a few hours instead of a few days), oil leaks down and sits and then when you start up it burns off...this could be a slight amount thats not even noticeable...if you get a chance on the weekend let the car sit for a whole day...have your dad start your car up and check the exhaust...your compression is a little high but pretty much perfect...

This may be your issue and it may not...either which way, do yourself a favor and either rebuild the thing or do a swap :-D haha

Good luck and let us know how it came out!

--Greer

 

I can even let it sit for a week if needed, what's the best amount of time? I thought it didn't run for a couple months so I'm used to commuting via motorcycle.

 

I am no expert by any means...but i believe one day would be perfect...that is enough time for the engine to sit and let the oil seep, if it does at all! Do a trial and error thing...since it is not your daily driver, try letting it sit for three days first...then at the most a week...give it some time since the car is not going anywhere anytime fast...if it does not start up and shoot a lil blue smoke out your fine...my engine did...it didnt necessarily burn oil...it just lost little bits at a time...i was adding about 2 quarts a month for a while and its not doing so bad anymore...sometimes the damn rings just seal up...

Also...try using high mileage oil and some oil treatment on your next oil change...you would not believe the wonders that works for your old engine...its like fix-a-flat for your tire but only for your engine

Let me know how it goes and good luck!

--Greer

 

Well I replaced the PCV... that was easy lol, I'll see how much oil I burn now (doing 500ish miles this weekend).

 

You would be surprised how much of a difference PCV valves make when they are new...if your crankcase is not ventilating properly...well you know your car is going to run crappy...good luck with it and lemme know how everything goes!

--Greer