Oil consumption

Hey all,

Just a query from a fairly new S3 owner. What sort of oil consumption would you all expect from your motor? Ive a 1981 petrol with 90k on it. It was pretty well laid up prior to my buying it (2005-Oct 2018 it only covered 300 miles) During this period it was really well maintained and pretty much rebuilt, Mot every year, sometimes only covering the 1 mile to the test centre and back.

Since I Bought it a month and a bit ago Ive been using it a couple times a week to go for a surf and put about 800 miles on it. Its not leaking anywhere really but it has used a little oil. Im talking about the level has gone from Hi on the dipstick to just under half way between Hi and Low.

As I say I'm a new owner and paranoid about every little thing. But does that seem normal usage to you more knowledgeable folks? She runs good, getting 20mpg from it even on Cornish roads (very hilly and stop start with a few easy green lanes thrown in) No smoke, smells ok, new ignition system overhaul and timing set up right. Just wanted to sense check the usage.

any experience share greatly appreciated.

Sam.

Sounds pretty normal to me. How often do you change the oil?

If your up and down steep hills a lot and possibly off road a bit it’s probably normal. When you start topping up oil more frequently than petrol I’d get worried

Land Raver said:

Sounds pretty normal to me. How often do you change the oil?

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Haven’t yet, as only had it for 800 miles but was gonna stick to every 2-3k or every six months. Same with gear, axles and overdrive.

Huddy84 said:

If your up and down steep hills a lot and possibly off road a bit it’s probably normal. When you start topping up oil more frequently than petrol I’d get worried

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Yea in a petrol landy that would get costly hahaha

My diesel has leaks and.black smoke on acceleration but never needs a top up between its yearly service. I do about 3000 miles a year on cheap oil.

My petrol series 3 lwb uses about the same amount although I do have a leak from the front crankshaft seal. Also my valve guides are shot so some gets burnt. I only put the cheap Classic oil in it from Halfords. If all else is good, I wouldn't worry about the odd pint of oil. If you plan to travel any distance in it, take some with you.

Col

Sounds pretty good to me.

Great, thanks for the advice everyone.

Juansamwell said:

Great, thanks for the advice everyone.

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Like your photo too - typically Cornwall! Where was it taken?

Land Raver said:

Like your photo too - typically Cornwall! Where was it taken?

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It’s on a little greenlane above Porthtowan. The easy way home after checking the surf.

'40s and '50s designed engines pre-date emissions rules so they use simple piston ring and crank and valve seals (if they have any valve seals) so you can be looking at 200 - 300 miles per pint on a decent engine. Most cars of this era (and the Rover engines are 1950s designs) specify weekly oil level checks and you could expect to top up at bit each week. . I still find it amazing to drive a modern car and find the oil level hasn't changed in 1000s of miles, I don't trust it......