I thought I might get a better response in this forum because there seem to be more viewers than in the K car section. I am going to pick up a FREE 89 Dynasty with a 3.0/ 149,000 miles. He was getting 33 mpg. The only problem with it is that it goes thru 4 QUARTS of oil in 200 miles. Only a little blue smoke upon starting, then it goes away. Where should I start looking? Is it really possible to leak that much out the valve covers without starting a fire? (thats how my 93 shadow started on fire, always have an extinguisher, it may pay off.) He says that it doesn't leave more than a quarter size drop when parked. I haven't seen it run yet. It is almost rust free, and I would like to fix it and give it to my neighbor who is really short of funds and could use a good running car, any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

The 3.0 did have a problem with the valve guides and seats. I'll see if I still have the TSB for this problem. And post as soon as I find it.

 

As Master Tech said, the 3.0L of that vintage universally had a problem with the exhaust valve guides and seals. I remember that most of the time, the problem appeared between 100,000 and 120,000 miles and that you could always tell when one had the problem by the trail of smoke coming out the exhaust. I wasn't aware that it caused significant oil consumption, not at least to the point that you're mentioning.
You could take a look at the PCV valve to be sure it's functioning as it should.

 

So, if that is the case, will a head from a 93 shadow 3.0 go on an 89 3.0 Dynasty? My shadow was totaled 2 years ago, and it is still in the barn basement. I was always going to find a good body and dump in the 3.0/5 speed, but never got around to doing it.

 

Yes it would.

 

Good. Now if I can get the time to get it home, I can start looking into it. Thanks for the help.