Just curious what oil consumption others have experienced with the 1991 350 SDL(SD). My previous SD which had around 90,000 when purchased seemed to use about the same amount as my current SDL. They both usually would wind up about halfway between the min and max mark on the dip stick at around 2500 to 3000 miles on the change. With 75+ MPH interstate driving during the latter stage it seemed to use more faster. Just wondering what others have experienced?
Thanks,
Frank

Frank, I assume you already know that the 3.5L engine has a reputation for bending rods (for no apparent reason), which then ovals out the cylinders, and ends up causing high oil consumption.

Anyway, a "good" OM603 should maybe use a quart every 4000-8000 miles. If you're using a quart in less than 2000 miles, that's not a good sign. If you do have the dreaded bent rod problem, oil consumption will get worse, and eventually power output drops, smoke increases, etc.

I'm assuming you are using diesel rated oil in the correct xW-40 or xW-50 range, as this will affect consumption also.

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Dave
Boise, ID
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I wouldn't sweat it too much..burned about 1 quart every 3K miles..I drive at about 80-85mph though. Owner's manual says it's normal

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1982 300TD 210K miles ("The Replacement" aka "The Anvil") - SOLD
1979 300SD 245K miles (never ending project)
2007 Pinarello F3:13
1995 Ducati 916 (SOLD, sniff)
1999 Ducati 900SSie (SOLD)

I'm aware of the rod bending and hope that mine isn't one of those. I sent off an oil sample last oil change but seems it got lost with USPS. I'll probably have to submit another next change and use UPS.
My last change I used Rotella 5W40, seems to run a lot smoother than the 15W40, probably just in my mind though.
Thanks for the advice,
Frank