1.7 Oil consumption ...

R_Davis · 04-23-2008, 06:02 PM

Hi Guys and Gals,

Firstly ... My '72 914 1.7 is all stock.

The Manual says that this engine will consume about 1/2 Qt of Oil per every 600 Miles or so. ( I think I'm remembering correctly. )

Now, based on 400 miles of driving ...

Question #1: Does the engine consume the oil a drop at a time?

Reason for Question #1: When I start my little 1.7 after it sits for a few days, I get a very (BIG) noticeable grey/white smoke out of the exhaust.

Question #2: Is this phenomenon based on the engine's oil consumption or is this indicitive of another problem?

The little car runs fine after the initial smoking ignition, and the dip stick doesn't indicate any measurable low oil level. And it drives exemplary at 35MPH, 80MPH and at 29 MPG+.

Question #3: What do you all think? Do I worry too much? ( I think I do, but the question of the oil consumption and the smoke is what brings me to this post.)

Thanks,

Rick

biosurfer1 · 04-23-2008, 07:13 PM

how long before it stops smoking?

if its a short time and only happens after sitting for a while, sounds to me like its nothing to worry about, but then again i'm not an engine doctor, i just stayed at a holiday inn last night

RandyLok · 04-23-2008, 08:53 PM

Oil makes blue smoke. Gray/white is typically gas or moisture.
When it's been sitting for days and makes that startup smoke... Does it fire right up or does it take some cranking first? Does it run the same as other times, or is it a bit rougher during that time?

Yes, you worry too much.

I think you should just drive the hell out of that thing and enjoy it! If it starts making new bad noises or spewing a lot of blue smoke, then you can start worrying again.

R_Davis · 04-24-2008, 06:24 AM

It's grey/white smoke, starts and runs just fine afterward and only does this after it hasn't been started a day or two.

So that would be moisture or fuel. OK.

Thanks,

Rick

RandyLok · 04-24-2008, 10:26 AM

I doubt it's moisture though. (Well, unless you have a head gasket leak and coolant is getting in your combustion chamber. Haha, just kidding!!)

Next time it does this, see if you can note a smell to the exhaust. Maybe it will smell gassy - like it's on the rich side?

Hopefully some others will chime in here?

R_Davis · 04-24-2008, 08:06 PM

Hi Randy,

Thanks for the help.

I've noticed that it seems to happen when either the car sits for about two days and it's first started, and when the car is driven for less than 5 miles (to the store) and then restarted (after shopping for 10-15 minutes).

It smells like fuel so maybe the mixture is a bit rich.

I may have had to over compensate in the mix due to the fact that I need to tweak/adjust the valves. They don't sound bad. No chattering. But there is a little 'Tick' in #4 and it's been at least 4K miles since they were adjusted.

I was going to tackle the adjustment myself, since the only decent VW mechanic I have been 'courting' through his shop's counter man won't even give him a nod that "yes" he'll tweak my engine. I told the guy that if he broke something, I would hold him harmless. He's like some idiot savant that only works on Bugs. I asked the counter man to remind him that it's a Type IV VW Bus Engine; only backward, but I think he prefers ROUND to SQUARE ... if you know what I mean.

Old School Porsche mechanics around here have become more temperamental than artists. Sheesh.

Anyways ... I was under the car day before yesterday and saw a pretty good entry and exit point for getting the valve covers off and accessing the valves. I didn't want to pull the exhaust off as has been recommended in earlier posts.

The 30 valve cover gaskets I just purchased from PParts is looking more and more like a lifetime supply at the rate I'm going.

The upside is that the car is running great, getting about 30MPG, drives fine, is lots of fun and looks fast even when parked. I love it.

Again; Thanks,

Rick