I just got done rebuilding my 5 cylinder turbodiesel again, and it's still using too much oil. When I first drove it, I got over 500 miles to a quart, and it started going down from there. After 3000 miles it was getting less than 100 miles to a quart. Some was leaking out of bad seals, but most of it was blowby that I caught in a catch can. I thought it could have a cracked ring or two, but after pulling the head and taking out the pistons, none were cracked. The only bad thing I found were two rings lined up on number 4 piston. The head was rebuilt at a rebuilder that understood these diesel engines, so unless the valve stem seals and valve guides were shot, it shouldn't be the cause of the oil consumption. Any ideas? I already have 3rd oversize rings and pistons, I couldn't find a total seal in third oversize.
I do see that they have 3rd oversize for a 1.6, which is the same piston size. I keep thinking that most of the problems I have is because the chrome rings wont seat good, and I'm not able to bore the cylinders out anymore. That's why I ask about cast rings like Deves. Do they hold up well as long as I don't increase the boost to over 10 psi? Or how easily do the Total Seals seat?
I just got back from the shop, and I think I see what the problem is. When I installed the new rings (from Top Line) there was only about .10 mm end gap. Now there is over 1.0 mm. I can't feel a new ridge on the cylinder wall (I reamed the old one off), so I have to assume the rings wore down in less than 3000 miles. I'll try to talk to someone at total seal tomorrow.