Oil consumption, again

[Weisbo]

This is regarding my '78 westy. I have read the previous thread on oil consumption, and understand from my VW manual, etc. that some oil consumption is normal, etc.

However, I had to put in about 1.2 qt. after about 700 miles (this is Castrol SAE 30). Everything seems in good order, oil temp stays about 215 even with high load and hot weather, and I can detect no leak spots in the driveway. Should I just keep the oil clean and plentiful, or does this add rate sound unusual to anyone? Thanks for any advice.

[ratwell]

I checked my travel log from last October...I did 745 miles the first day and the temps went from 70F in the morning up to 100F and back down to 70F by night. I was going about 70mph and consumed 1/2 quart (bottom line to top line on dipstick) by days end. Oil consumption seemed to be highest during the hottest part of the day.

What is your compression like?

[Weisbo]

I have not had compression checked and do not know how to do this. Is this something my local mechanic can do? Or myself (do not have extensive tools or a garage to work in)?

In any case, I have not lacked for power in any road situation.

Thanks for the info.

[[email protected]]

Compression testing kits start at $30 (Checker/Schucks/Kragen). It's easy to do yourself -- don't waste the money for a mechanic to do it. Just make sure your battery is good and strong when you do it. Take out your spark plugs, carefully thread in the tester and crank the engine over 4 or 5 times. Check the reading on the guage. Do the same for each cylinder, and you're done.

As for oil, I usually go through about a half-quart every thousand miles, sometimes more...

[[email protected]]

One more thing:

Don't forget to press the button on the side of the guage to release the pressure before each cylinder's test.

[ratwell]

You also have to do the test with the throttle wide open.