Just tossing this out there for some input ...

I have a 2004 ram 1500 with a 4.7 engine with just over 259k miles on it. The truck runs great and no real problems to speak of. Well, that is, if using motor oil is considered a problem.

No leaks that I can see. Doesn't blow smoke. Just uses about a quart of oil every 500 +/- miles. So I'm looking for some input on what may be the problem with so much oil being used.

It started a couple years ago using only a quart every oil change, but has increased quite a bit recently.

Thanks ahead for your time and input on this ...

 

Generally you can lose oil in only a few ways:
1. around worn rings
2. around worn valve guides and valve seals
3. bad seal between crankcase and something sucking air, like an intake
4. bad pcv allowing you to suck more than fumes out of the engine.
5. leaking out of the crankcase and onto the ground

Should be obvious that you want to chase 5, 4, then 3... 2 is maybe recoverable in cheap ways, but #1 usually means you're into full rebuild.

I've always heard bad longevity stories about the 4.7, making good used units in demand - and therefore expensive.

 

You should be happy and proud you got over 200K on a 4.7