How much oil is okay for TBI 350 to burn?

[joshkbomb]

Just like the title says, when does the oil burning go from okay to problem?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Just like the title says, when does the oil burning go from okay to problem?

When it plugs the CAT or you get a ticket for excessive smoking.

 

[joshkbomb]

When it plugs the CAT or you get a ticket for excessive smoking.

Good! Now I'm going to go see what happens when the 350 goes above 5000 rpms...

 

[4X4HIGH]

Good! Now I'm going to go see what happens when the 350 goes above 5000 rpms...

So are you trying to blow it up?

 

[pauly383]

I don't think those grossly oversized swirl inducing ramps in those heads can even see 5000 rpm

 

[Chaddy]

Good! Now I'm going to go see what happens when the 350 goes above 5000 rpms...

Why?

 

[joshkbomb]

I'm just joking. You guys are very serious.

So is the Cat plugging and getting a ticket for smoking really the only time that oil burning is too much?

 

[apache]

My 84 runs fine but burns a quart every 300 miles or tankful just about ,like the other GM trucks we have the plugs will foul sooner than later and it smokes on startup like a freight train. I see it this way,theres two choices basically,either live with it or invest in a new engine.

 

[dyeager535]

In multiple GM owners manuals I've seen, 1 qt/1000 miles was acceptable. I would say that's way too much, but I'm not the manufacturer.

 

[Randy92782]

Just like the title says, when does the oil burning go from okay to problem?

I say when it stops running or pulling itself. If you're willing to pay $4-5 a quart theres nothing stoppin ya

 

[Thunder]

I don't think those grossly oversized swirl inducing ramps in those heads can even see 5000 rpm

My TBI swirl ports will hit 5K. But then it is like you hit a wall, there is nothing left. But 5K in 4 gear is around 125 MPH. That is a little too fast for a 4x4.

 

[joshkbomb]

My TBI swirl ports will hit 5K. But then it is like you hit a wall, there is nothing left. But 5K in 4 gear is around 125 MPH. That is a little too fast for a 4x4.

I once had my Blazer up at 95. I don't think I want to do that again.

 

[Fabrimacator21]

My TBI swirl ports will hit 5K. But then it is like you hit a wall, there is nothing left. But 5K in 4 gear is around 125 MPH. That is a little too fast for a 4x4.

The HEI falls flat on it's face around 4500. But I've definetly hit 5K+. Pinned out in 2nd gear in low. Don't have a tac but it sure sounded like it was up there.

 

[Russell]

I'd say you're good till either you are running out of oil between your regular change periods, or are fouling your plugs while running.

Personally, I'd replace the engine sooner than later. The increased economy of a fresh engine is worth the effort. 350s in good condition are cheap and plentiful

 

[Chevy305]

My 2.2L in my S10 burns though all its oil in about 2 tanks. So thats about 4 quarts in a little under 1000 miles... time to drop a v8 in...

 

[K5dreamer]

I generally say a half quart to a quart per 3000 mile oil change for a well running engine. Although i usually do 5000 miles, and feel i shouldnt have to add oil in that timespan.

maybe im just a nitpicker, but if youre burning oil theres something wrong. now... leaky front and rear main seals, thats just part of owning a chevy