sudden drop in oil level?

[PSD97]

Hello all,

I have been reading through these threads for the last few weeks and finally decided that this was where I needed to go for answers.

For the last ten years, I have wanted a PSD, 4x4, regular cab, clean, green machine. Now I have one, a '97 F250 with 127k miles I have had it for about 4 months now and all seems very well; however I have just turned 1k miles with it and Noticed that it was down about 3/4 of a quart of oil I have been checking the oil regularly (as it is new to me) and it has been right on the mark, but in the last 200 miles or so it just dropped? No leaks to speak of, small fuel leak (fixed it) but no oil. It is not a daily driver, but a toy and occasional tow rig. The truck seems to make good power, starts well in the cold and only smokes a bit when started but clears up quick. There are really no issues with the truck other than the mileage is creeping up there and the missing oil. Should I be thinking of a rebuild soon, or am I missing something?

I appreciate any advice

[vitalidle]

Keep an eye on it but thats not too excessive if you stay within a quart or two on a 5000 mile oil change. Check the valley of the motor for any oil it could be leaking from around the high pressure oil pump or the turbo pedistal.

[PSD97]

Noted, thank you. I have looked it over pretty good but have not found any external leaks. I will keep checking.

[vitalidle]

Also check the oil plug and crush washer to make sure its not leaking there, and around the oil filter if you haven't already

considering there is 15 qts in there 3/4 is ok.

[PSD97]

Very odd, I have looked at all the basics but found nothing? I did notice (as I responded to another thread) today, a single drip of oil on the bottom of my starter mount. I removed it as well as the access cover on the bottom of the engine/tranny; dry as a bone? There did seem to be a bit of oily crap around the oil pan gasket/engine block, but not much to speak of.

[Triflex]

My owners guide says if you use no more than 1 qt. in 1000 mi. it is considered normal. If you use 1 qt. in 700 mi. you have a problem somewhere perhaps a leak etc. It also suggest you wait 20 min to give oil time to drain to pan before checking it.

[donald lorbeske]

PSD97 my truck like using oil towing but the filter like to leak now and then

[Triflex]

Originally Posted by donald lorbeske

PSD97 my truck like using oil towing but the filter like to leak now and then

Check to see if the old 0-ring stuck to the engine when the old oil filter was removed. Sometimes they will not come off with the filter.. You only want one o=ring there Hand tighten only.

[mschn99]

if you have No external leaks for SURE....and the compression in the motor is good...i would change the injector o rings....