When I got this runner with the 3.0 it had a bad oil leak out of the oil pump seal and pan gasket and valve covers. Had a shop do the pan gasket and replaced oil pump while the pan was down. I recently replaced valve cover gaskets. I was so happy to have a dripless vehicle. I had to drive from Co. To Az. And stopped about half way for the night. I was very thorough in looking everything g over that night and in the am and was pleased to see that there was not a drop of oil to be found. I the. Checked my dipstick and it was almost down to the low mark? What the?? I had it to the full line before I left and this thing starts up and runs totally clean. I see know black smoke ever. At start up when cold spots a little soot. It just at warm up and burns clean. Where could it be? Maybe I should switch to 10-40 it is the 3.0 and has 208,000 miles.

 

Long drives can heat up the oil and burn off moisture. I wouldn't worry about it, just keep an eye on it.

 

Long drives like that if it is not your normal use of the truck can cause all manor of different things to happen.

Things get heat soaked it can get interesting.

Just keep checking once your back to the normal use

 

Thanks for the reassurance. Should I switch to 10-40?

 

Depends on your climate.
Cold weather: 10-30
Warm weather: 10-40

 

To some cold weather is below 65 F to others below 0F

 

by https://www.flickr.com/photos/121086004@N07/, on Flickr

 

240 mile round trip once every week or so, 80-110mph in a v6 pickup. burns a quart a month without any drips, smoke, or smells, just chalk it up as normal

 

Thanks for the input. I did notice today a small leak around my timing chain cover. Had that done a month ago with a two year warranty. Looks like I’ll have to take it back and have them get it sealed up. Pretty minor but I don’t like leaky oil. Good to know about consumption though dec not a qt. Of oil leak.

 

Go speed racer! Go!
I need a good hill and stiff tailwind to hit 80 with the old girl.

 

 

I'm not one to dispute oil viscosity.... just transmitting what the good book says.

 

Ok. Back to the drawing board. Have been back for not even a week now and driving normally around town and am down another qt?? This is crazy. There is hardly any oil under the engine. A little from the seem at the bell housing but that’s tranny oil. Some seeping from timing cover but that’s it. Dec. It 1 at I. A week of easy driving. Absolutely no black smoke at any point of travel. At start up I have a little suit that spits out for about 2 min. ? Any thoughts.