Folks,

In the last several months several people have posted regarding increased oil usage in the older 850s (more than 1 quart/1000 miles). At least some people said they did not see oil leakage nor any symptoms like blue smoke at startup.

As many helpful responses have stated, the first line of attack to this problem is cleaning up of flame trap, oil separator and all lines.

I've had high oil usage too (and without other symptoms or leaks).

Before a recent trip of about 2000 miles I made sure everything in the rebreathing system was scrupulously clean. On this trip my consumption was much less than before, more like 1 qt or less /1500 miles than 1 qt/600 miles. I conclude:

1 - take the advice to clean up the system seriously.

2 - when measuring oil usage compare similar trips and driving conditions. When I measured more than 1 qt/1000 miles it was highway driving during hot summer, heavily loaded car with 4 people, car top carrier and gear, a/c on, plus mountain driving. Recent trip was with 2 people and light load in winter temperatures, easy roads. This might make a difference. Maybe not surprising if the usage is high under heavier conditions?

thanks to all, and have a great year!