97 powerstroke ?'s

[SunServicesLLC]

Checked the oil on my truck this weekend and found it 2 qts low.
Its been about 3000 miles since my last oil change and filled with 14 qts. The truck has no visible leaks i can see. Where is the oil going? it doesn't smoke except the occasional puff at start up.
Please help!!
Thanks
Brian


Oh yeah truck is a 1997 Ford PSD

[John DiMartino]

Brian,after talking to a few PSD owners,it seems they consume oil normally. I too was suprised to hear that,but i wouldnt worry about it,just check it .One owner said his uses a quart every 1000 miles.

[SunServicesLLC]

John I hope your right!!!!
Also while on the topic do any of you MD guys know a good diesel mechanic? Ours has moved and i am not fan of dealers.

Brian

[wyldman]

It's not uncommon for them to use a quart or two,even more as they get older.

Keep an eye on it.If it started suddenly,and gets worse,it could indicate a problem,like bad valve guides\seals.

[towman]

we have seven power strokes in our tow trucks, they all consume some oil between changes

[Pelican]

I typically add between 2 and 3 quarts every 5000 miles on all my PowerStrokes. They run great otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Mike Nelson]

Thats how we know it is time to change the oil :eek:

This is normal for all of ours.

[Jerre Heyer]

You're suppose to put oil in them????? That must be what I was doing wrong with the diesels I had. They all had a terrible noise coming out of the lower end......Sounded like it was full of ball bearings......

I use about 1/2 -1 qt per 3000 miles on the V-10 (140K on it,and about 1 qt per 1000 on the straight 6 with about 300K.

I look at it as normal maintenance to add a qt now and then. I'd put excessive use in the range of 1 qt per 500 miles if I couldnt attribute it to top end or rear main leakage.

JMO

Jerre

[Dockboy]

Originally posted by edshipp19
John I hope your right!!!!
Also while on the topic do any of you MD guys know a good diesel mechanic? Ours has moved and i am not fan of dealers.

Brian

Brian,

Where in MD are you?

I have a buddy that lives in Pottstown, Pa.(about an hour from me) that is great with PowerStrokes :D

By the way, I have found that the more load you put it under, the more oil it will use;)

[SunServicesLLC]

Thanks for all the responses guys and putting my worries to rest. I just got back from Charlotte NC picking up a new to me truck with a hook system and a NH LS190. The powerstroke did really well pulling the skidsteer (cruised 70mph @ 2,000 rpm's) The trip was about 1000 miles total and afterwards the oil level was only down a little bit. (that NH weighs alot!!!) Greg my office is just north of DC in Beltsville MD. Im def interested in your guy
Thanks again
Brian