Oil Consumption; what's considered "Normal"

[Piloto]

Adding the M20 air oil separator helps on reducing the oil discharge when filled to 8 qts (M20J). Any discharged oil is returned back after engine shutdown. The M20 is standard on new Mooneys.

José

[DXB]

When my O360-A1D ate its cam/lifters and went in for overhaul last August, it had been consuming 1qt/3 hrs for a couple of years.  That seemed too high to me, and I was worried - it was likely all lost out the breather due to  blowby, given the oil turned black just a few hours after oil change.

I've had the engine/plane back for >6 months now. After 20-25 hrs breakin with mineral oil, I changed to Phillips XC 20W50 w/ Camguard and flew the hell out of it.  I just did the next oil change after another 46 hours. No more black oil.  During that interval, I calculate using 1qt every 18 hours.  That seems too low to me, and I am again worried  Does my freshly overhauled engine with new Superior cylinders have a cylinder lubrication problem?? 

The engine notably cools much better now with a new carb and refreshed baffling.  However, worrying about my engine remains one of my favorite pastimes.  I will likely be back in a few years posting concern over my average levels of oil consumption.

 

 

[Joe Linnebur]

Look at it this way…if it’s burning a quart every 18 hrs, it’s at least burning oil! Welcome to oil consumption Stockholm syndrome. You’re blessed, just run with it!

[M20F]

Mike Busch All About Oil

The lawnmower analogy

[Utah20Gflyer]

If it were me I wouldn’t worry about it.  A quart in 18 hours is below average but not crazy low.  Besides, what would you do about it anyway?  I’ve never heard of a maintenance technique to increase oil consumption.  

[Jetpilot86]

I’ve got a Bravo with a 200hr SFOH 540-AF1B on her. I’ve got about 190 of those hours. When I change the oil, I fill to 8qt of Phillips + the Camguard or 8.5-8.75 qt total. Bravo oil is changed every 25 hours and I burn from 0 - 1 qt in that 25 hours. For reference, I am 90% long haul, 700-900 nm per flight. 
 

I have little to no blow by.