How much oil should 502's burn?
 

I've got a 2000 Formula 400 SS with twin 502's. How much oil should I expect to burn on a two hour cruise at 40-44mph?

Thanks

Seems like I'm burning about 1 quart every 2-3 hours of actual cruising (non stop).

Do the 496's burn that much oil?

Mine will go through a quart every 10-15 hours. I have gone longer if I don't run them hard. Most of my running is 4000rpm or less.

The 502's are using a stock GM rotating assembly. Because of emissions GM was installing a low tension oil control ring. Really low tension.

hello
my english is not perfect, because i'm from Switzerland.
i own this year a Cigarette Bullet 31 1992 with t/502. it burns 1quart 1-2hours each at 4500 rpm. oil is original Mercruiser 20W40. it's that normal ?

I can go between oil changes(25 Hours) without missing a drop.

My 1969 Pontiac GTO 400/4-speed still set up for leaded fuel wasn't burning a single drop in 1989 and I drove it like I just stole it. It had a problem with the rear tires them damn g-70's never lasted long at all. Must have been bad rubber?

The 502 will burn oil because it is a forged piston motor. There are no cast pistons made for a 502. A forged piston engine must have more clearance between the piston and the cylinder because a forged piston expands more than a cast piston. Cast pistons dont expand as much and can run tighter clearances and burn less oil. The 496 has cast pistons.

Ron

I had a 502 Mag in a Baja 272 that used 1 quart of oil for every tank of fuel.

I tried different oils and found that Valvoline 40 Wt Racing Oil worked the best.

Let them get up to full operating temp before coming on plan or running hard and they will not use as much.

Don't worry about it.

I use about a quart to every tank also. Big blocks running high rpm's just burn oil. No big deal as long as you remember to check it.