Try a compression test. If compression is down, you need to look at a new
motor. If it is OK, then the problem may just be valve stem seals. These
are a little fiddly to change, but within the scope of most amature
mechanics. It can be done without removing the head, but you will need to
stuff several feet of sash cord through each spark plug hole, then turn the
motor to hold the valves in place. It is *REAL sad if a valve drops through
the head!

I have done stem seals on several cars, but never a Miata.

"Leon van Dommelen" > wrote in message
...
> "Mal Osborne" > wrote:
>
>>Valve stem leakage will usually produce a cloud of blue smoke every
>>morning
>>when you first start. (oil drips down over night) No noticeable cloud =
>>no
>>significant valve leakage.
>
> I have clouds when I leave and when I drive. I think oil is pouring out
> everywhere.
>
> Leon
>
>>
>>"Leon van Dommelen" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>
>>> Now that I will be getting a second Miata, it seems like a good time to
>>> do something about Bozo's oil burning problem. But I am somewhat at a
>>> loss how to proceed. Valve job? Engine rebuild (boring out cylinders?)
>>> Putting in a new engine?
>>>
>>> Of course, I am not planning to do anything like these myself. I assume
>>> there are suitable businesses where you can drop the car off and they
>>> will fix the problem in due time.
>>>
>>> Leon
>>> --
>>> Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
>>> http://www.dommelen.net/miata
>>> EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)
>>
> --
> Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
> http://www.dommelen.net/miata
> EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)