I have a '86 Firebird 2.8L MPFI. I've just gotten her running strong, but every 400 miles or so she'll need 1/2 quart of oil.

She's not leaking but I noticed that after running for a minute or any time at all that fumes (from oil?) are coming from the valve cover when I pull the pcv valve out. The pcv valve is sucking strong.

What could be wrong? How can I fix this?

Thanks

 

I know the rings are worn, but not enough to eat that much oil, please help!
Thanks

 

Sounds like your rings are so worn you have a ton of "blowby", or compression gasses blowing past your rings and into your crankcase. Your PCV hose is probably wet inside, right? The gasses find the easiest way out and are supposed to get sucked-up the PCV. If PCV valve is incorrect/defective/plugged, the gasses can build pressure in the engine and cause gasket leaks. Sounds like you need a rebuild over the winter or something.

For now, changing to a (heavier) synthetic will help because they have a higher vapor temp.

 

You may have stuck rings. Using a crankcase flush at oil change, and the synthetic recommended above, may help.

Do you get smoke at startup, especially when hot? If so, you've got worn valve guides/seals. Just replacing the seals may help (I went from qt/800 miles to qt/3000 miles), but isn't a permanent fix.

A complete rebuild is the surest way to solve the problem. But, why not put in a 3.4l crate motor instead? More power, completely new engine.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 3.08 open, cat-back from '90 305HO, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress.
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

 

Does your oil pressure read correctly?

My RS was using about 1qt every 1,000 at one point. The oil pressure read lower than normal and flucuated at lot. The car never had 1 drop of oil under it. Turned out the car only leaked when it was running, because the O-ring around the oil pressure sensor was bad. This also cause the oil pressure to read incorrectly. One mechanic told the rear main seal was about gone and that was where the oil leaked out when the car was running. He was wrong the seal was fine. My usual mechanic took one look and said it was the oil sensor leaking (when the car was running)and that may have made it look like something else. The usage was not noticable on short trips really, but on a long trip when the oil was really warmed up, it really used oil. It's worth checking around the oil sensor.

 

I get out of college in a year. I just replace a head gasket so pretty much rebuilt the top half of the motor down to the block. She's running very strong...oil pressure is fine. I just need her to last 9-12 months till I can afford a new car.

I have been driving her for the last 1500-2000 miles without a single problem. You guys think my baby will last a year?

Thanks

-Erik W.

 

I wouldnt exactly call it your "baby" if you're gonna go buy a new car. Whatcha gonna buy... a "reliable" Toyota Corolla or something ? heheh

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92 Z28 L98 350
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Ported and polished heads, ported stock TPI base, ported plenum, Comp Cams XR270HR-10 cam (lift .495/.502 duration 218/224 lobe separation 110), Edelbrock TES headers, LT4 valve springs, Crane AFPR, Flowmaster catback with LT1 style tips, MSD coil & wires...

"Take that auto, drop it in first, hold the brakes, stomp the gas and grin from ear to ear! :-)