Oil consumption - A15

[rbastedo]

Before I start let me say I plan to try Valvoline VR1 60 Weight this week to see if that reduces the problem.

Just a band-aid I know, but the smokescreen I'm putting out is pretty bad

I've got some pretty amazing oil consumption going on here.
About a quart / 100 miles.

These are the symptoms:

It's much worse right after adding oil.
It's bad in the morning on first start.
I see / smell smoke most of the time but more when I accelerate.

I have 135, 140, 150, 150 compression. (that's cylinders 1,2,3,4)

Is there any (fairly easy) sure way to figure out (without breaking the engine apart) what the cause is for sure?
It could be valve guides or it could be oil rings - could it be anything else?

I've just put in brand new head & manifold gaskets, replaced the H72 head with an H89 that looked pretty good but was untested.

 

 

[rbastedo]

I've decided I'll use the rope trick in each cylinder, compress the springs and check for valve play.

I'll put on a new set of valve seals while I'm at it.

At least then I'll know more than I do now.

[ggzilla]

Are you certain the oil level is not overfull? A15 only takes 3.5 quarts.

 

 

> It's bad in the morning on first start.

 

That's valve seals. Changing them will help.

 

 

> I see / smell smoke most of the time but more when I accelerate.

 

New valve seals won't fix that. That could be worn oil contol rings.

 

 

Now test your compression rings: http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/index.php?title=Engine_compression_test#Wet_Compression_Test

[rbastedo]

Uh - 3.5 quarts???

(GAWD I'M STARTING TO GET THAT REALLY STUPID FEELING)

 

So what's the effect of filling it with 5 quarts?

Is it possible I have the wrong dipstick (didn't say "am" said "have).

 

I will change the seals this weekend, I will do an oil change with the correct amount of oil today.

 

I did the compression test dry and got (front to back) 135, 140, 150, 150.

[ggzilla]

5 quarts I imagine will cause a lot of oil burning.

 

Yes, there are two dipsticks, both approximately 3.5 quarts but each use a different length tube.

 

 

oil pan: less than 3 quarts

filter: varies, but around 1/2 quart

 

 

A15 uses the long stick and this tube:

 

[rbastedo]

My block says A15 on the side. Is there a length in inches for the proper dipstick?

 

The tube on mine is not as long as the one in the picture.

If my block has the shorter tube I assume I need the shorter dipstick, or get a longer tube?

 

I'll go out and measure both the tube and the dipstick.

[ggzilla]

Also get the PN which is stamped on the dipstick.

[rbastedo]

I will have to look at the PN later, just returned from taking a look.

I have the tube as pictured and apparently the top dipstick.

Measured dipstick from the tip to the bottom of the rubber plug is 14.75".

It could still be wrong, likely so as 3.5 quarts won't come up very far if it even registers at all.

[ggzilla]

It should have H50 stamping, or H98 maybe. They are both the same level.

 

If it has an M or W stamping it is from a FWD application (F10 or 310). It would probably be the wrong length as those motors have very deep oil pans.

[rbastedo]

Thank you, I will check on this today after I get home from work.

[datzenmike]

Just drain the oil and refill with the correct amount. Mark the new level on your stick.