n00b go easy on me :)

[Nytefall]

OK I have a 1985 FJ60 and it needs a little loving but thats besides the point - my question is that it seems like im burning some serious oil out of this bad boy.

If I drive around 40ish freeway miles I burn through about 1/2 quart of oil. It seems to be smoking a bit more than I usually do! Aside from a compression test what are some other things I could be looking at doing or that are some idea's of possibilities.

Now I am not where near a wrench pro im just smart enought to basically get dirty and take way to long to do things but I have some pretty good resources and don't mind spending the time to figure something out - this baby is my project so I don't need it up and running on a daily basis.

Thanks all in advance!

 

[Tinker]

If you want to learn, get the Factory Service Manuals & the equipment & do a leak-down test. Jeg's sells a leakdown setup for under $100 IIRC.

 

[sl33py]

Welcome!

So anyone have this bad of oil burn? What about a burnt valve - what would that look/feel like?

 

[Pluton]

Also, for $15 or so, the Haynes manual, while not nearly as complete as the OEM's, helps you sometimes because the text describes the job and reminds you of basic stuff the OEM assumes you already know. Remember the OEM manual consists of at least three books...Engine, Body/chassis, and [very important] Emissions.

 

[WSUCruiser]

If you want to learn, get the Factory Service Manuals & the equipment & do a leak-down test. Jeg's sells a leakdown setup for under $100 IIRC.

or, assuming you have air, you can leak down test it for $10. This is the way i do it and it has served to be very useful in that past:

Just grab a $10 compression tester from Harbor Freight. Place the gauge aside and use only the spark plug hole adapter on the end of your air line. With this is hooked up and your cylinder at TDC, turn on the air. It doesn't have to be that high of a pressure, 30PSI works. Remove all plugs.

Now listen for hissing in diferent places
-Exhaust - Hissing at your tail pipe means your exhaust valves are not sealing properly
-Intake - Listen at the carb, hissing means the intake valves are not sealing properly
-Crankcase - Hissing at the oil filler means the piston rings are not sealing right. A little here is not too much to worry about if using high pressure air in my opinion
-Coolant - Bubbles in the radiator mean a bad head gasket. If the engine is hot this won't happen until the thermostat opens
-Other cylinders - If there is a raelly bad head gasket; air may be observed coming out the ajacent spark plug holes.

Do this for each cylinder at TDC and note the results and differences. Also compression check each cylinder (remove spark plugs, put gauge in one hole and turn over motor). If no air can he heard but compression is still low, could be head gasket between cylinders.

If the valves and rings all appear to be good, and oil is still missing, my first guess is a leak somewhere or valve guides.
An oil leak can spill out of the crankcase or oil system just about anywhere, and is usually pretty obvious. A tell tale sign is oil spots on the back of your car after driving on the freeway. It can also hide in your coolant.
If its the valve guides, get a head job for $200 and have a better running truck. Lots of work, but worth it.
If the valves are not sealing properly, get a head job
If the rings are not sealing properly, umm, i dunno, fix it, install a 350?

If i missed anything or i lied anywhere feel free to chip in.

An FSM or other book is a good idea. I don't have one yet and want one. IH8MUD is also a good idea. For example i have no idea where the oil pump is on my 2F and i'm about to post about it.

Dave