[apache]

you're kidding....right?

[Marshy]

Nope. I suspect that the root cause is something to do with the fuel tank venting... there's always a huge vacuum there when I undo the fuel cap. It sucked really hard on Friday, and after my trip to Watford and back I could hear the pump over the engine idling and exhaust rumble. It was due to go to Brundle today anyway, so I had the RAC take it there instead of driving it myself :-) I suspect it gave the neighbours a smidge too much pleasure though to see it trailered away. Again.

[Marshy]

Well, hurrah, progress of sorts. After the rebuild, which triggered this whole thread, I ran the car in, then after 1000 miles, took it back to the dealer for its oil change. The dealer put synthetic in at that point, as per (then) current TVR procedures. Oil consumption continued to be impressively high after that time, so it's been back with them for the last couple of weeks for them to stare at it. It looks like I've got glazed bores *again*, and when the dealer spoke to TVR it turns out that they've now changed their procedures, and recommend mineral oil for the first 6000 miles after a rebuild (just like with a new 'tiv, no?) Brundle have been told to try an additive that /might/ reduce the glazing, and based on that I'll get it back at some point with mineral oil in it, possibly after another stripdown & deglaze. Any ideas what this snake oil is, and whether it's likely to work? Any ideas when TVR changed their procedures? 2001 is a little late in the game when the 500 has been in production for so long...

[apache]

if it's any help mine used lots of oil and I was advised to change to 10/40 mineral (texaco F3)to deglaze the rings for a period of 2/3 k miles, done this and it is amazing how much less it uses, and it has stayed clear for longer

[Marshy]

It's clear that TVR don't recommend synthentic until 6000 miles in a new engine from the factory. So I guess it's almost obvious that you would do the same for engine rebuilds. They didn't. I didn't (at the time) know any better, and assumed they knew best. Eagle eye hindsight and all that. Edited by Marshy on Thursday 31st May 13:16

[fish]

Should have no problems with Rover V8. However I bought a brand new Mazda MX5 (now a converted TVR fan)and that showed high consumption. They wouldn't even entertain any work till I'd done 3000miles then as you've done I had to get it taged. Eventually proved it was using very high amount and after continued badgering they changed the whole engine(only the factory in Japan can rebuild. and I went through the whole running in process again. Moral of story stick to your guns but it will take time. However as it is used it may not have been run in properly - then it's not TVRs problem I would assume.