Oil burning 5.7

[Chris97K1500]

My truck typically burns about a 1/2 Quart of oil every 3000 miles. It's got 105K miles. I notice an oil burning smell when I get out of the truck. It's not leaking any oil, I park in the same spots, and no oil around the engine area or underneath. It's not smoking out the exhaust and it runs fine. I'm just curious if this is normal wear or is it a sign of things to come. Specifically, should I have it checked out by a mechanic. I need 2 more years from this truck! Chris

[RyanZ71]

1/2 quart every 3000 miles at that kind of millage is pretty dang good if you ask me.

[Chris97K1500]

Yeah, I was thinking it wasn't too bad, it's more of the burning oil smell that's got me worried. Thanks, at least I'm a little more relaxed about it! Chris

[intruder217]

Valve covers weeping oil onto the exhaust manifolds?

[Chris97K1500]

I'll check, but the engine bay is perfectly clean. I clean it just about every weekend. To me, the engine bay is one of the most important parts of a truck to keep clean. It's easier to tell if something is leaking. Chris

[Cool Zr2]

People say that is normal but my 96 with 333 km's didn't burn or leak any oil.

[Shaners]

1/2 qt every 3K miles is just fine...

 

Valve guide seals are a common problem on older engines but they usually just puff a little smoke on start-up and then it is fine. No Big Deal...

 

 

A little oil spillage from the last oil change could be laying in a cross-member, and then blowing back on the exhaust when moving.

 

As long as there are no major leaks and the oil pressure is OK then I'd just keep an eye on it and keep on driving like normal!!!

[Chris97K1500]

The oil pressure is usually around 25-30 when at idle and sticks at 40 when driving. Seems to be consistent since I got the truck a year ago. I checked around the engine this afternoon and it is clean, no signs of leaking. Chris

[Colorado Kid]

My '91 goes through a full quart in 3,000 miles, and has been for virtually all of its 207,000 and counting miles. Rest easy.