SuperMotors.net Forums
Randy Kight
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• Richmond, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 4/5/2003 |
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• 18 posts |
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 Posted:5/7/2009 09:33 |
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I'm new, so if I've posted in the wrong spot, please excuse my mistake. I've got a ford excursion 2000 V10 that has all of a sudden really started to burn oil something fierce. I've been told that it could be a PCV valve. I ask the forum if this makes sense, and if not, what else could could be the culprit(s), as I'm not that mechanically inclined.
I appreciate the help,
JRK |
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WesTausend
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• Bismarck, ND, USA |
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• Registered on 4/11/2009 |
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• 11 posts |
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Posted:4/18/2010 19:52 |
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Randy,
The PCV (positive crankcase ventilationj) valve makes the most likely scenario. They are cheap (less than $4) and call for frequent replacement anyway, so just do it. I recently replaced a PCV that checked out fine during inspection (but apparently was not) on a Ford Ranger pick-up 4.0 L V6. The valve has to make a tricky vacuum transition between power, idle and coast without allowing oil mist to be drawn into the intake vacuum. They look simple, but it's a touchy balance, and some OK trucks might even benefit, in oil use reduction, from improved PCV accuracy.
I recommend requesting and buying an American made PCV, but others may work OK. As a caution, one other common sudden oil user is a loose oil filter after a recent oil change, but it will usually drip like crazy on the driveway, a dead give-a-way. Other leaks will drip likewise ...be aware.
As an exotic alternative, generally speaking, a broken piston ring or cracked piston can cause excessive oil use. These don't usually break except under severe usage. Have you recently operated the engine under severe load or excessive speed? Did it recently ping A LOT under heavy load, uphill for instance? If you catch this quick, the cylinder liner may be OK yet. Later it may be scratched by the broken parts, beyond honing away, therefore requiring a re-bore.
One other disgusting oil eater is lack of timely oil changes causing the drain-back holes in the cylinder heads to become blocked with waxy sludge build-up. In this case, the engine tends to pool oil inside the valve covers shortly after start-up, and then the raised oil pool level runs past worn valve guides (is sucked really) during idle warm-up and stoplights. This scenario will create visibly excessive exhaust smoke and even foul plugs. Cleaning the holes will help immensely, but the rest of the engine usually rightfully needs rebuild work if worn and abused this severely.
Good luck.
Wes
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