newbee question on 89 sub

[badazzburb]

I just purchased a suburban and i love it. But she is burning oil like crazy. It doesnt seem to be affecting the performace of the engine. The engine actually seems like it is in very good condition. I cant see rebuilding it completely or getting a new engine. Is there anyway i can fix this problem and save myself the money and time of replacing my engine. I would appreciate any help anyone can provide me with. Thanks.

[jfmctlaw]

You need to know where the oil is going (leaking on the ground or running back on the tranny, burning up in your exhaust, or running into your cooling circuit through a cracked head gasket). Take your truck in and have the oil pressure tested. They will test it at different rpms and also test it for consistentcy. You can just buy some additive from Walmart to fix this problem.

[dirty dan]

You can just buy some additive from Walmart to fix this problem.[/quote]

How do you know you're burning oil? What are the symptoms you're seeing? When does it happen and how much oil are you using?? Give us better information and we can give you better answers.
If you're burning oil in the cylinders, there is no quick fix in a can. Additionally, if you're seeing smoke after the engine is warm, you're probably burning more than you realize. The catalytic converter burns off the major portion of smoke going through the exhaust system.

[badazzburb]

the oil is definately not leaking. there are no spots on the driveway and the under part of the truck is dry. I am pretty sure i am burning it through the exhaust. Although when you are behind the truck it doesnt smell like burning oil. I dont have cats so i dont know if tha affects anything. i am burning it pretty fast. I check the oil everytime i fill up and i have to put in around 2 quarts everytime, so its burning up fast. I bought that stuf from walmart yesterday and havent got a chance to put it in teh truck and see how it works. But i am a little worried about how a $13 dollar can from walmart can fix such a major oil problem. thanks for any help.

[dirty dan]

Check your spark plugs, You'll be able to tell which cylinders are bad. I'm afraid that the only real cure is an engine overhaul. Both short blocks and long blocks (crate engine) are available for this truck at fairly reasonable prices.

[badazzburb]

I am not currenty in a good finacial situation right now and i cant replace the engine in the near future. I am looking to shoot for around july or august to get a new engine. Will the fact that i have to constantly put oil in it affect my reliabilty, because the last thing i want is to break down (I travel 3 hours almost every weekend)?? thanks for the help.

[dirty dan]

Run it! It'll give you some signs of going down before it fails as long as you keep oil in it. It'll loose power, start missing, etc...

[badazzburb]

alright i guess i better start saving up for a new engine. What do you think that i should go with. Rebuild the one i have, or get a new crate motor. I am looking for more power than stock but nothing overboard, so the price is still reasonable. And a waranty would be nice. Do you guys know any good sites where i can find something like this?? thanks.

[dirty dan]

I've never seen anyone go wrong with a Delco rebuilt engine. I've bought both the Delco and the Autozone (I think it was a series II) longblocks. Delco is better by far. Most major name parts stores can hook you up with Delco.
The Autozone engines are contracted out to different rebuilders. The specs that AZ gives these rebuilders are very good, but I'm not convinced that there is any quality control checks going on. The 5.7 long block I bought had the wrong rocker arm and timing chain covers on it for my application. Took a little while to figure out my timing problems. They paid for the fix after a bunch of phone calls and trouble. I won't buy another there.

[badazzburb]

Thanks for all the help. i guess will just run her until she dies and then look into getting a new engine. thanks again.

[Gone Huntin']

Check into a Jasper engine, they offer a 3 year/ 75,000 mile warranty. The warranty is good anywhere in the U.S.