[ShelbyQuest18!]

Well, today, I crossed over 825 miles. For the last 100 miles or so, I have been doing a few WOTs, few shifts at or near redline on my jaunts, otherwise "normal" driving always in "Sport" mode. One thing I never mentioned previously is that when I bought the car new, it had 37 miles on it and the dipstick never measured full - more like midway between the two holes.

I added Lloyds Shelby floor mats with the Red Cobra insignia to replace the stock JC Whitney mats. At right around 700 miles, I installed a JLT 3.0 passenger side catch can. After my run today, checked it and saw it had about a teaspoon of oil in it. Does this sound reasonable? Oil level on the stick is now a little over the bottom hole - if the distance between the two holes equals 1 quart, I would guesstimate the engine has used a bit less than .5 quart of oil in 800 miles. Does this seem relatively "normal" for this car?

Planning to drop the break-in oil at about 1000 miles.

Your comments and/or observations are welcome!

 

[Bullitt40]

Oil in the separator sounds normal, especially if you threw several redline runs in the mix. As for oil usage, it seems everyone of these voodoo engines are different in that regard. Ford says usage of up to 1 qt per every 500 miles is normal. Not sure it should be using that much under normal driving conditions, but can see it happening if you thrash on it hard, especially if you don't bring the motor up to proper operating temps first.

 

[ShelbyQuest18!]

Oil in the separator sounds normal, especially if you threw several redline runs in the mix. As for oil usage, it seems everyone of these voodoo engines are different in that regard. Ford says usage of up to 1 qt per every 500 miles is normal. Not sure it should be using that much under normal driving conditions, but can see it happening if you thrash on it hard, especially if you don't bring the motor up to proper operating temps first.

Thanks! I should have noted that I always wait until the oil is warm before even going over 3k RPM. I seem to remember years ago that some recommended running non synthetic oil for the first 1000 miles or so to help get break-in accomplished, including seating the rings. Sometimes I wonder if that is still a good idea?

I understand that there is a huge variation in oil usage reported. But what I don't get is why there is so much variability with these engines if normal QC procedures are being followed? I have never seen that before in any of the 9 Vettes I had. The hand assembly touch is nice, but it is my understanding that the folks doing this are just doing final assembly - heads, etc are delivered to them ready for assembly...

 

[HotLap]

I too have the JLT oil separator and the amount you found in yours after 125 miles (with several red line runs) sounds about similar to mine. I have not burned much oil at all in 1350 miles but haven't tracked it yet nor had more than a couple of red line runs with it. From what I've read here and on other forums, (in general) it appears the folks who are using more oil tend to be the ones pushing/tracking their cars the hardest and Ford says during competition events (tracking) they consider it normal to use up to a qt. per 500 miles. Now if you are not tracking your car and not red lining it regularly, I'd be concerned if I was using a qt. every 500 miles. Anyone jump in and comment but aside from the few engine/oil pump failures I don't think that is generally the case??

 

[JimT]

Well, today, I crossed over 825 miles. For the last 100 miles or so, I have been doing a few WOTs, few shifts at or near redline on my jaunts, otherwise "normal" driving always in "Sport" mode. One thing I never mentioned previously is that when I bought the car new, it had 37 miles on it and the dipstick never measured full - more like midway between the two holes.

I added Lloyds Shelby floor mats with the Red Cobra insignia to replace the stock JC Whitney mats. At right around 700 miles, I installed a JLT 3.0 passenger side catch can. After my run today, checked it and saw it had about a teaspoon of oil in it. Does this sound reasonable? Oil level on the stick is now a little over the bottom hole - if the distance between the two holes equals 1 quart, I would guesstimate the engine has used a bit less than .5 quart of oil in 800 miles. Does this seem relatively "normal" for this car?

Planning to drop the break-in oil at about 1000 miles.

Your comments and/or observations are welcome!

Sounds like your right where I’m at (923 miles). I am seeing the same oil consumption and consider it normal. Good call to install the oil separator, saves the intake track from a continuing oil bath. The thought of non synthetic oil for break in is bad, you don’t want to be burning (normal combustion process) a dirty burning crude based oil, synthetic burns clean. In fact the use of synthetic oil has now become part of many car’s emission certification (in most cases, use on non will void warranties...).

Good luck with the balance of your break in, those W.O.T. are hair raising!

 

[17snake]

I too have the JLT oil separator and the amount you found in yours after 125 miles (with several red line runs) sounds about similar to mine. I have not burned much oil at all in 1350 miles but haven't tracked it yet nor had more than a couple of red line runs with it. From what I've read here and on other forums, (in general) it appears the folks who are using more oil tend to be the ones pushing/tracking their cars the hardest and Ford says during competition events (tracking) they consider it normal to use up to a qt. per 500 miles. Now if you are not tracking your car and not red lining it regularly, I'd be concerned if I was using a qt. every 500 miles. Anyone jump in and comment but aside from the few engine/oil pump failures I don't think that is generally the case??

Hmm... I think it is normal. After I changed the oil at about 1000 miles, I checked it again yesterday (engine at almost 1700 miles now) and I had to add about 1/2 quart. I don't push it so I think the oil usage is normal. I had it on a lift and did not see any wetness or leaks, so I am concluding it is the engine that is using up the oil. Although I don't drive it to work, but I do drive it everyday, or almost everyday at normal driving. I bought a case of oil to stock up just in case and I'm going to guess after the engine is well broken in, the oil usage will be less. Oh and BTW Brad, I purchased the JLT oil separator already and just waiting for it to arrive. We should do another meet and cruise soon.

 

[HotLap]

Hmm... I think it is normal. After I changed the oil at about 1000 miles, I checked it again yesterday (engine at almost 1700 miles now) and I had to add about 1/2 quart. I don't push it so I think the oil usage is normal. I had it on a lift and did not see any wetness or leaks, so I am concluding it is the engine that is using up the oil. Although I don't drive it to work, but I do drive it everyday, or almost everyday at normal driving. I bought a case of oil to stock up just in case and I'm going to guess after the engine is well broken in, the oil usage will be less. Oh and BTW Brad, I purchased the JLT oil separator already and just waiting for it to arrive. We should do another meet and cruise soon.

Nice mov eon the JLT oil separator, I like how easy it is to use for sure. 1/2 qt. in 700 miles is not bad Lou. The JLT capacity is 3 oz. so I'm planning on checking mine every 500 - 1000 miles (when I check engine oil level) I always check the JLT as well. Sounds good Lou, perhaps before year end, wondering if Harley's Rock Inn would be a (sort of) centralized place for us to meet? Just a thought, we could meet, do some canyon driving and have a late lunch...I'll see if Rob and Chris are up for it...

 

[smokum]

Getting the JLT catch cans should improve HP because with oil in the cylinders it reduces your octane rating which backs out timing.

FYI my car uses about a qt every 1250 miles

 

[17snake]

Nice mov eon the JLT oil separator, I like how easy it is to use for sure. 1/2 qt. in 700 miles is not bad Lou. The JLT capacity is 3 oz. so I'm planning on checking mine every 500 - 1000 miles (when I check engine oil level) I always check the JLT as well. Sounds good Lou, perhaps before year end, wondering if Harley's Rock Inn would be a (sort of) centralized place for us to meet? Just a thought, we could meet, do some canyon driving and have a late lunch...I'll see if Rob and Chris are up for it...

I would be in for sure.

 

[HotLap]

Getting the JLT catch cans should improve HP because with oil in the cylinders it reduces your octane rating which backs out timing.

FYI my car uses about a qt every 1250 miles

Hey welcome back Sir!! I had a 2009 Carrera S that used a qt. per 1K miles. Was considered normal, so much so, my dealer handed me a qt. of oil when I bought the car new...I was like whaaat? Funny though, my 2013 Carrera S didn't use any oil at all. They were both the 3.8 liter (flat 6) and the 2013 had (IIRC) 45 more hp than the 2009....luck of the draw I guess.