Oil Usage Lycoming O-360

[1956w]

Hi Folks,

I have a O-360 narrow deck engine. (Not in a RV unfortunately) I've spent the winter stopping all the leaks. I'm seeming to be burning/blowing about a 1/2 quart every 2 hours. I've had the level anywhere from 7 quarts down to as low as 4.75 on the stick. I'd like to try to keep it at 6qt on the dipstick. Engine has compression around 74-76 all all cylinders. My exhaust temp seems work best around 1280 degrees. Who knows if it's accurate. Any suggestions on how to best find the right oil level to minimize usage? Thanks.

[Mike S]

Warren, welcome to VAF

Sounds to me like you need to get a ride in an RV.............

[flyingriki]

Originally Posted by 1956w

Hi Folks,

I have a O-360 narrow deck engine. (Not in a RV unfortunately) I've spent the winter stopping all the leaks. I'm seeming to be burning/blowing about a 1/2 quart every 2 hours. I've had the level anywhere from 7 quarts down to as low as 4.75 on the stick. I'd like to try to keep it at 6qt on the dipstick. Engine has compression around 74-76 all all cylinders. My exhaust temp seems work best around 1280 degrees. Who knows if it's accurate. Any suggestions on how to best find the right oil level to minimize usage? Thanks.

It sounds like you haven't found a sweet spot where it uses less? If I put anything over 7 in mine it just blows it out. Stays at 6-7 for hours....
ps: there's a Yahoo Lycoming group site that may have some hrlp for you.

[Ironflight]

I've got three O-360/320's that will all blow out anythigng over 6 quarts - but will take 25 hours (or more) to get from 6 to 5. I'd suggest trying to see what you get between 6 and 5 - it's fine in that region.

[woodmanrog]

I must have the best 0360 in the world. We burn 1 qt at every 50 hours. 830 hrs on the engine and we run it around 400 rpm's or more. Just a well broken in engine when it was new.

[Jesse]

Originally Posted by woodmanrog

I must have the best 0360 in the world. We burn 1 qt at every 50 hours. 830 hrs on the engine and we run it around 400 rpm's or more. Just a well broken in engine when it was new.

I don't remember where I heard this, but anything over 25 hours per quart is not good. That means you are not getting enough oil on your cylinder walls. I have never seen over 20-25hrs/qt.

[flyingriki]

Originally Posted by woodmanrog

I must have the best 0360 in the world. We burn 1 qt at every 50 hours. 830 hrs on the engine and we run it around 400 rpm's or more. Just a well broken in engine when it was new.

Isn't it true the less you burn the more wear you get?

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by flyingriki

Isn't it true the less you burn the more wear you get?

If that were true, why do new cars burn next to no oil? Why does a recently broken in air cooled aircraft engine burn less oil than it does when it gets older?

I have 4 ECI steel cylinders on my O-320 and may have the worlds 2nd best 4-cylinder Lycoming engine as it will go between 30 and 45-hours before it uses a quart of oil after 816 hours on cylinders. This is on an engine that is 2,812 TSMO to new specs and 6,098 TTSN.

[Kent Ashton]

You can go up to a quart in 2 hrs according to Lycoming! Above that, the engine is more prone to detonation.

Leaks? A crankshaft seal can seep a lot of oil.

Look in the cylinders. If the wall are polished and oil is puddling in the bottom, there you go.

[Mandolin!]

Hi Kent what does that indicate when the cylinders are polished and oil is pooling? I have a RV7. IO360 about 100 hrs on the engine good compression and also burns 1/2 qt every 2 hrs. Dan