Topic: oil burning

[Konrad]

I have a random question. Several months ago, I had a 1989 GT. I was talking to a guy who worked at a local ford dealership here and when I mentioned it he said something to the effect of "ah oil burners". He proceeded to tell me that 1989s were bad for burning oil. This car did burn some oil.
My question is first of all is it true that 89s were known for burning oil? Secondly, did this only affect 89s or is the same for 87s, 88s, 90, 91... or just the one year. My first car BTW, was a 1990 Escort LX and it burned a LOT of oil. Was this a problem ford was having around this time with more of their cars? Just curious, so if anyone knows...

-Konrad

[Soaring]

Either the valve guides or the oil rings are worn out in order for an engine to burn oil.  It could be that during those particular years that Ford was putting in sub quality parts, so started burning oil sooner than normal.  I really don't know, but suspect that to be the case. 

[Konrad]

I was told that ford did a recall on it because of the rings. I was just wondering if anyone knew more about it. Mainly wondering about the truth of it and what cars and years were affected.

[rmodel65]

ive never heard of any 5.0 year burning extra oil, i have a 91 gt with the 5.0 it doesnt burn any oil with 190k on the clock(although the oil pan gasket has a leak )

[Soaring]

I was told that ford did a recall on it because of the rings. I was just wondering if anyone knew more about it. Mainly wondering about the truth of it and what cars and years were affected.

Sounds to me like that 5.0 needs an overhaul.  It most likely has more miles on it that the odometer shows.  If Ford did a recall on it, that would have been many years ago, and certainly not good today.  Just either sell it, or bite the bullet and overhaul that 5.0 or burn some oil.  My 81 F-150 pickup with a 351 Windsor burns about a quart every 3K miles.  I figure that to be normal on these old engines.  Oil is cheap compared to an overhaul unless you are burning a quart every 200 miles.  Then, it is time to overhaul that sucker. 

[Konrad]

I actually don't own the car anymore. I guess that what I heard was an exaggerated thing then. I'm sure it if was treated right it would be fine like anything else. I was just wondering if they really did have a bad reputation for that. Thanks guys.