Had engine rebuilt at 18,000 miles, uses oil to this day, when it was rebuilt all gaps in rings were inline.
It's a pain to have to add oil every 500 to 800 miles.
Adding oil every 500 to 800 miles isn't that bad. I had a 1988 2500 4x4 with a 5.7 v8 that I had to add a quart of oil to every 150 to 200 miles.
Gaps in between rings are should never go in-line. They should be staggered. That's why your using oil, not to mention the compression and power loss. Who is the rookie that rebuilt that engine?
Well...
I have a 1990 EXT cab, with 211,000 miles on it. So far I have replaced the alternator, main belt, and the transmission (finally) at 209,000 miles. The truck does NOT leak or use oil, but I do get a bit of the smoke when I start it up in the morning. I agree that the 4.3 liter is no powerhouse, but this is the best vehicle I have owned so far, and the motor shows no signs of letting me down until we hit that 300,000 mile mark and beyond. GO CHEVY!
My 93 Cheyenne with the 4.3 also uses a little oil, about a quart every 4000 miles. I also get the smoke on startup. other than that it has been a great truck.
I have a 1994 Chevy with the 5.7L and with 190,000 miles on it and only minor mechanical problems, I would have to say that Chevrolet knew what they were doing when they built my pickup. I am looking at purchasing a newer Ford F-250 because we haul a lot of trailers, but I will never get rid of my faithful Chevy.
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