burning up oil

can anyone tell me why my 4.6 thunder bird is burning oil

Depending on mileage it could be rings or seals.

the odometer has stopped at 142578, it starts to smoke after i drive like a granny and if it idles for a long time, is this bad?

is it easy to fix the rings or seals? how much money would it be for parts

well, for starters it's probably the rings, you probably have blow by to hell and back, so you'll have to pull the engine, tear it down, replace the rings along with all the bearings, gaskets, and anything else that is worm out, you're just lookin' at a total rebuild i think i spent around $2000 on my rebuild and i've got a 5.0L, i replaced my front and rear main seals, main bearings, rod bearings, heads, oil pump, oil pan, and gaskets all around, plus i had the heads reworked, i'd suggest have in the heads reworked as well, you probably have a couple of burnt valves, if not all

It might be cheaper to buy a motor.

thanx, i will rebuild it after i rebuild my truck engine so that i will have something to drive when im in school

Before you go too far with a rebuild, I would check the valve guides and seals.

Thanks, I will.

I have the same prob in my 95- changed valve cover gaskets...no smoking, so I guess it could still be rings and seals...had the main and rear done as well, still losing oil...however...I found this in the meantime that may explain some things and also help those with the mystery check engine light in conjunction/along with the oil consumption...for now, I am just adding oil every month...

FORD Crown Victoria, Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Mercury Grand Marquis

* 4.6L engine: excessive oil consumption caused by defective valve-stem seals and valve guide wear, which allow oil to enter the combustion chamber. The oil burns in the combustion chamber and plugs up the EGR valve and passages, and can trigger a “Check Engine” light. Ultimately the piston rings wear and oil consumption increases dramatically, calling for an engine rebuild. The APA recommends synthetic oil to prolong the life of the valve seals if the engine is not burning oil excessively.