Oil consumption

[peterg]

Got it checked today. All pots 100 to 110 psi, number 4 pot heavily oiled.

They also said the clutch was close to slipping, which is how my expert said it should be.

Think it is time to get the rings replaced.

[peterg]

So now the engine has been stripped and there is still no obvious reason for the high oil consumption. Three of the cylinders are showing carbon deposits but, apart from a ring that was cracked, no issues with the rings. The cylinders have little glazing and some of the original marks around the bore are still visible.

The oil supply to the head isn't enough for that level of consumption, so there is a lot of head scratching.

Apparently the pistons have spilts in the skirt which I know from motorcycle experience, but didn't know they were used by Bristol's.

Any sagely advice would be welcome!

[Geoff Dowdle]

petrg,
which ring was broken ?
What type of oil rings were fitted? A one piece or segmental ?
What is the clearance between pistons and bores ?
If they are one piece oil ring fit one in a bore and check the distance between the ends .
The cast split skirt pistons run tighter clearance than the original forged pistons .

Geoff