hello all,
 I changed the oil to Penrite HPR 30 and it has now started burning it. The oil in the car was un known to me prior to the oil change, what are other people useing in there beloved Essex V6 engines? Or maybe the engine has developed some other issue that has caused it to start burning oil. I figure that it would not be a ring issue as the engine starts from dead cold and idles smooth as without the use of choke or throttle, maybe top end issue, ie stem seals or guides. Help
 
Capri

Penrite hpr30 has a good reputation amongst essex v6 fans so I dont think it could be anything to do with the oil.
I take it that you havnt owned the car that long (1st oil change).
One possibility is that the engine was already tired in the hands of the previous owner so it was decided to run thicker oil. Going back to the thinner oil has caused more throw off from the big ends which of course lands on the bores and overloads the rings.
Another possibility is that the PCV valve is kaput which can happen anytime.

Ron,
I ventured to the shed today and pulled the PCV valve, all seems ok with it. I shook it pretty hard and could hear the ball rattle around inside it, so not a PCV valve issue. I can start the car from stone cold and all is ok, only when it gets warmed up does it blow any smoke.....!! So I am thinking oil control rings are either worn or one has become stuck. If I change to the thick Penrite oil and the burning stops, then it will be the oil control rings at fault etc. However how can one test for a sticky oil control ring and fix it with out pulling the engine?
 
 
Scott

I'm using Castrol 20W/50 in the V6 Capri....and have used Castrol in all my cars for 30+ years.

Could also get a knowledgeable old-skool mechanic to do a proper compression test - there are a few tricks to finding out what is wrong - aka  'the knowledge'.

Yes a compression test will show if its a localized problem (one cylinder is low) or a general tiredness (all cyls low and different). In any case there is probably plenty of gunk and carbon in there it may be time for a refresh and the best way to do it is remove the engine and put it to an engine stand to work on. Problem with working ensitu is the crossmember prevents from getting the sump off.

What engine are you running?  How long since the stem seals were done?  Is it used for lots of small trips? 

GTV6,
The car has been sat in the shed and only started to keep things sweet so to speak for the last 12 mths, because of a bit of a rebuild was required and also I have done a reno at home meaning the car could not be moved. Thinking about it the stem seals could have dried out in this time, or an oil ring could have become stuck. At this point I am kinda hopeing that I have not glazed the bores up, as the engine has been run a few times under no load. I kinda hope if it is a glaze issue that a couple long runs under load might get the rings to fully expand (now under 100% load) and brake the glaze, or that a stem seal change will be all that is required. Your thoughts on all this?
 
Capri

What engine?

Yes it is quite possible that all it needs is some regular use.
I had a corolla  with the 4age engine sitting for about 4 years with starting it every month and recently it went to running on 3 cyl. Cleaned the plugs and checked all connnections but still running on 3. I got sick of it and gave it a good rev and suddenly its back to 4 and running like a swiss watch.  (sticky valve).
Warm it up and then give it a hard time, if it doesnt come good then at least you tried.