Oil Useage

[MONTY007]

My 1969 Traveller has started using a lot of oil (half a ltr every 100 miles or so).
The plugs are sooted up and my hand turns black when put near the exhaust pipe.

It has had a recent head gasket and the mechanic said the engine was in good condition (I'm assuming he meant pistons).

Other than engine wear, is there anything else that could cause oil to get in the engine?

Regards

[philthehill]

Basically there are only two ways for oil to get into the engine cylinders and out of the exhaust and that is up past the piston rings and down past the inlet valve guides.
Check the compressions and see what they are both dry and wet.
Is the mixture correct? If too rich it washes the oil off the cylinder wall and increases wear. So check mixture.
Oil can get out of the engine by a faulty gasket/seal so do you have any serious oil leaks?
Were the valve stem seals replaced when the head was off or was it just a straight head gasket swop. The original type are useless.
What was the reason for changing the head gasket?

[MONTY007]

Thanks Phil,

The head gasket was changed as there was a break between cylinders 2 &3 and at that time I head the head skimmed and made suitable for unleaded, a copper gasket was used. I guess, the seals were replaced at the time. The car is doing about 33 mpg.
The oil pressure is about 60psi at 60mph, both I believe to be about right??

There a few drips on the garage floor, but I just assumed this was 'old car syndrome'.
All four plugs are sooted up.

The adjusting nut at the base of the carb, which way do you turn it to reduce the mixture?

Regard

SORTED !!