oil usage

["Grant Lenahan" <glenahan@notes.cc.bellcore.com>]

Colin says:

 >>Jacques, I have about 60K on a 1992 V6 2.8 A6/100, and absolutely zero oil
 consumption between changes at 3/4K or six months. I dont drive a lot, and
 lately much of it is Chicago traffic which means my average speed is 0.5 mph
 (per the Trib today), so I think you have problems with your oil control rings.

And I retort:

Oil consumption certainly varies.  Maybe you use very little.

 However, your stated driving style is a classic one
for oil being relaced by gas and byproducts, since the oil rarely gets hot 
enough to burn off
and blow out.  Therefore, your level could appear correct, but be 10%-20% no 
lubricating
stuff.

My mom's old BMW was famous for not using any oil for many weeks, then
going down 1+qt on a highway run.  All the lighter stuff boiled off at once.  
That
car clearly used oil, but didn;t always *appear* to.

Grant