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theotherguy619
New User
Oct 29, 2007, 12:18 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1807 views)
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1991 Isuzu Pick-Up help
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Before I explain what is happening, I think you should know that I have next to no car knowledge. I'm kinda just looking for what the problem could be so when I take it to get looked at, the mechanic doesn't pull something out of his ass.
Problem #1: My car is burning oil very fast. If I had to guess, I'd say about 1 quart every 250-300 miles. I kinda expect it to happen because my truck has just barely over 130,000 miles on it. I've tried to research it, but the only thing that ever comes up is the "seals."
Problem #2: For the last couple days, whenever I drive my car, it feels like it's slipping. I've ran into this problem before. The first time, I took it to get a tune-up and it took care of the problem. The second time, I replaced the spark plugs because they were shot and I thought that fixed it. That was about 1-2 months ago and now, it is doing it again.
I'm sure I left out details that would help you understand the problems better. Like I said before, I have little car knowledge. I orginally thought of just buying a new engine. Then I thought if I'm going to do that, I should just buy another car. But I am just a college student, and I cannot afford to do that. Any ideas as to what the problems are?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 30, 2007, 1:01 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1803 views)
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Re: 1991 Isuzu Pick-Up help
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If the engine is using oil because it's worn then you can still buy some time with it most of the time. If not leaking somewhere it probably is burning it and plugs would show that at that rate. Each one should be compared to the others. If evenly fouled it would indicate a problem for the engine as a whole and not just one cylinder.
It it can run well with new plugs and just did then there are plugs that will last tons longer but should only be used as the last ditch way to get life out of what would be too expensive to totally repair.
Use of heavier weight oil and "hot" spark plugs can get a worn engine by. Looking at the plugs would be the best start to determine where to go.
Do you have the ability to look at your own plugs? Does take some tools but the trucks should be easier than most cars.
FYI - 130k is a lot of miles to some engines that have had a hard life and nothing to others. Hard to say by that alone,
T
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theotherguy619
New User
Oct 30, 2007, 2:08 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1799 views)
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Re: 1991 Isuzu Pick-Up help
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OK, so if I understood your reply correctly, you think the spark plugs going out are a result of my engine burning oil? I'm going to shop around and see what mechanics will want to do about it burning oil. The place I go to get my oil changed already puts in oil designed for older, faster burning cars. I will look at the plugs and get back to you as soon I as can. Thank you for your help.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 30, 2007, 4:00 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1797 views)
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Re: 1991 Isuzu Pick-Up help
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Plugs tell a story without spending more on other diagnosics they will show the common stuff. If your oil pressure runs on the low side at idle, takes longer at start up to get to a normal reading, puffs of blue when you start up or after you have decelerated then puff when you go again the engine is probably just worn. Rings and valves/guides can allow the engine to burn some oil and that will foul the plugs much faster than an engine that doesn't.
Thicker oil tends to burn slower. It makes for difficult cold weather starting though in extremes.
The engine could be leaking and not worn at all. Plugs are just an easy way to get an idea. Plugs can be purchased that get really hot and burn off the fouling and last quite a while.
Never mind the claims that oil marketing does. If you are burning oil thru rings and valve guides you want a viscosity of like 20w-40 or so. The first # tells you how think the oil will be when cold and the high # is what it would behave like if it was that single viscosity. Low #s mean thinner/ higher #s mean thicker - that's about it.
You can thicken what you have in there by adding product like STP - the old fashioned stuff that you have to wait for it come out of a can/bottle.
None the less the plugs would tell along with other observations what you should do. It could last a long time still even worn. For most cars in all around good shape you should stick to the original recommendations. When it really is getting old and worn out there are some games you can play as mentioned,
T
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