1987 Mercury Topaz with 2.3L OHC engine.

I haven't yet determined how much oil it is loosing but appears that more than normal. Probably 1qt/ less than 1000 miles?

It has 106,000 miles on it. I drive it fast, and aways at 3,000 RPMs. It is a 3-speed auto with no overdrive.

Questions - what's the longevity of this engine, what should I expect? It appears to be worn a bit at that mileage. Though it runs very well, no problems with anything. Nor do I see any leaks.

 

The major thing to watch for is cracked heads. KEEP THE COOLANT FULL!!!!
A quart in 1000 miles is not excessive, and is a lot cheaper than rebuilding or doing cylinder head work. FoMoCo will not touch a NEW engine that uses less than a quart in 700 miles, so you are above the 'new' limit right now, and have 106K miles... at least that WAS the old standard.
The engine will last at least another 60K if you don't blow it up, keep it watered and oiled...
tom

 

p.s. it is not OHC, it is OHV... tom

 

I just drove about 400 miles and added about 1/2 quart of oil. A lot of that trip was at 3500 rpms. I don't know about 2.3 but my big 7.5L engine burns more at higher rpms.

It does burn it significantly.I looked at PCV valve and it appeared to be ok, I could shake it in there.

It does run well on the other hand. Enough power once you get to 3,000 rpms.

 

put in a new set of rings

 

Number one oil useage is rings follwed by guides.Thats the most common internal useage of oil.

 

How hard is to replace rings? I have never done any engine internals.

I also noticed a leak around the head gasket, apparently another common problem with 2.3L. Not enough to worry, and I imagine the gasket is pretty easy to replace.

 

Ring replacement involves pulling out the whole engine and taking it all apart.

 

you can pull the head off pull the pan pop the pistions out the top that it

 

beer goggles on you can do it in the car with out removing the engine

 

Yes, you can get the pan off the motor with it still in the car. I've done it a couple of times. 1qt per 1000 miles is pretty common and I'd just leave it alone if it were me. I had a Mercury Topaz that was still running pretty decent at 196k. It was all original too!