oil useage

[123-jn]

Just got back from shell island (llanbedr) Van went really well on first real voyage. Kept up with traffic in most places but she's not good round corners (thought she would be better with independent suspension). Went up cross foxes pass I wasn't sure we would make it, she seemed determined to do it in second at about 12-15 mph. I was about to lock her into 1st when we reached the top!! Subaru imprezza shot past very impatient!!! (ended up camped opposite us). I filled up with LPG at Bradburys garage in Barmouth just in the nick of time as I switched to petrol and she was all lumpy and rich and would not tick over!! Overall fuel economy 18.9 ish on LPG over the trip. But she also used just under a litre of oil? is that normal? She was just under the bottom mark when we reached home! No sign of blue smoke or leaks? Now I suppose I need to fix the carb? I wonder if the needle valve is stuck in the float chamber? any guesses?

[itchyfeet]

When I first had LPG installed I didn't use petrol for months and it wouldn't run when I needed it.
If you don't switch to petrol frequently I have found it will be lumpy when you switch over, it's especially bad if you are on the move when switching over, perhaps dirt in the float chamber getting dislodged? how do you know it was rich could you smell the fuel?

Oil consumption sounds alot sure it's not leaking out?
whats the tailpipe look like? should be pretty clean with LPG, only a very slight film of dirt when you wipe your finger inside, if it's sooty then it's buring oil.

[123-jn]

I could smell strong petrol and revs would not pick up just like when overchoked but engine was warm. I'll try it again tomorrow. Tailpipe is just very slightly 'dusty' if you prod the inside with your finger hardly any comes off. Very slight film of black dust on rear white paintwork but all over not more by exhaust so probably diesel smoke from other vehicles. I followed two 40foot artics carry logs over cross foxes coming home. At least people could not blame me for the speed!!

[itchyfeet]

mmm stick a sheet or cardboard underneath and leave it running, you will soon see if it's leaking oil.

yes could be needle valve, could also be accelerator pump membrane or main gasket

[123-jn]

Not a drop on the drive, there is however quite a lot in the inlet coming from the oil strainer tower? I wonder if this can become blocked and not let the oil drain back? I'll have a look tomorrow and see how much blow by pressure is coming out of the crank case. compressions are all around 150 -158 which is on the lower end of OK.

[AdrianC]

Very slight film of black dust on rear white paintwork but all over not more by exhaust

That does sound like there's an oil leak somewhere. If t'were diesel smoke, then it'd be over the entire van, especially the front, surely?

[123-jn]

well would you believe it!! Tried it on petrol today from cold no problems at all!!! Things just get stranger.

[Ian Hulley]

well would you believe it!! Tried it on petrol today from cold no problems at all!!! Things just get stranger.

Is your breather hose collapsing when it gets hot ?

Ian