Hi,
I acquired my 1988 Townace 2L td just before christmas from a local garage in sheffield. After 10 miles the head gasket was gone. They fixed it but since I got it back I'm getting through oil at a great rate. Seems ok around town but as soon as I go on a longer trip it's disappearing faster than the deisel. Had it to an engine man who says the pressure will be increased due to the new gasket and that when the engine is working hard oil will be blowing past the pistons. He says the only cure is new rings or live with it, but I think 2.5 litres of oil for an 80 mile trip is a little much to live with. Any ideas? He says new rings would be about a £500. job, so am I best to think of a re-conditioned engine?
glad for any advice.
thanks,
Bill
- (#7206) Bill Andrews, 18 Feb 03

rings or turbo perhaps. Is there any warranty on the vehicle or the repair? 2.5l in 80 miles with no visible leaks is a HELLUVA lot! Was it smoking like an old train?
Are you sure the level was up to max before you started your trip?

- (#7207) david miller, 18 Feb 03

Bill, What mileage has the engine done? A new gasket increasing the internal cylinder pressure ? If it does, the original gasket must have been leaking "pressure" at an alarming rate and I think that this comment comes into the "flannel" category.
I would stongly suspect that you have breather problems and crankcase pressure is forcing the oil past the rings but, at 2.5lt on an 80 mile trip, you would certainly see a lot of smoke. A high mileage engine would benefit from new rings but, it appears to me that these engines have to have lot of miles on them before excessive bore/ring wear is a problem.
You have only had the vehicle a matter of weeks and after the first 10 miles you had trouble. Take it back and advise the garage that you are rejecting as it is not acceptable for it's purpose, ie, motoring. Your local Trading Standards Office would stand by you

- (#7208) John Davis, 18 Feb 03