Well, I did it, I drove the ~2000 miles (RT) to the West Coast VCOA/VSA meet and back in the 'new' 544.

And I used about 2.5 qts. of oil on the way.

I never saw any blue smoke, and didn't have a significant drip problem when parked. I'm wondering if the oil is getting around the front or rear seal at high RPMs but not at lower RPMs or when parked.

Any ideas? I'm starting to think a rebuild may be in my future.

Thanks,

Steve
'64 PV544
'62 PV544 (parts?)

I think Volvo dealers may claim that as much as 1000 miles on the 850-SVC 70s is "normal". At one point in the past Chrysler claimed 1 qt/500 miles was "normal".... on NEW cars! (I doubt that they slough off complaints like this from new Mercedes buyers today!)

On a 38 (thirty-eight) year old car built without quite the tolerances of the 850, and after a bazillion miles and with high speed highway driving I wouldn't think this is bad oil consumption at all. I'd keep an eye on it, maybe keep a few extra quarts of oil in the trunk with the tools and spares, and maybe clean out or replace the flame trap/PCV valve but I think it's premature to discuss rebulding the motor unless you're really desperate for a project for those long winter nights.

How is it doing in more normal driving?

-Punxsutawney Phil

It's probably the rings.
I had the same problem with my 544 for a couple of years before I put a new motor in it; now it doesn't burn any noticeable oil.
Mine was burning ~2 qt./K @ 70 mph (very little around town) at the end, but never smoked.

Clarification: the 2.5 quarts was for the round trip (2000 miles) not one-way.

Still seems a bit excessive to me...even at 70mph.

If it was getting around the seals, you'd see it.
What engine/breather/PCV de you have?
BTW at 70 mph you might not see much blue smoke.
Also suggest that instead of leaving year model (on your post) set
at "ALL" you might give further hints by putting the year of the car
or the engine in there.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

I believe it's the original engine for a 11244E (B18D with PCV).

I just put rebuilt SUs on the car, and didn't notice any excessive oil in the breather adapter on the front carb. Have not pulled the other hose yet.

At the risk of starting a flamewar, what do folks like for viscosity ratings in these engines? I used to use 10-30 in the winter and 20-50 in the summer on my B20, but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Steve

I use 10W-40 but would use lighter if I could get it at the same price.
In the old days it was 20 winter (unless extra cold) and 30 summer.
I think that is still OK. Thicker oil uses more horsepower but doesn't
get used quite as quickly.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma