Help with oil burning problem

[kyle_in_rure]

So I have a 97 with 186,000 miles on it. I drive it back and forth to work every day for a total of 40 miles each day. For the past few years I have had to get the oil topped off between oil changes, the level on the dipstick is usually about 1/4 up the dipstick when I get it topped off. Took a 150 mile road trip (one way) this weekend and the oil was at a similar location on the dipstick . I added half a quart just for good measure.

One the way everything was fine ; one the way back, about 40 miles into the trip, the truck started shaking and the check engine light started flashing. I shut it off and pulled over; I noticed some blue smoke coming from the engine. It looked like there was still oil on the dipstick, but I added the other half of the quart and drove to a gas station and added another quart. An hour later it happened again; I then added another quart of oil, Now the level on the dipstick appears all the way up. I slowed it down (around 50-55) to keep the RPMs low, and covered the remaining sixty miles without a problem The check engine light has stayed on, but was only flashing the two times I ran out.
Does anyone have any idea what may be going on? When I took the oil cap off to add oil I also noticed a lot of blue smoke. I noticed a few drops of oil underneath the truck but it doesn't look that significant.

Thanks

 

[rollavvti06]

Whats the code number get it pulled from the ecu

 

[Copper93]

When you say blue smoke came from the engine, where did it came from? Exhaust, valve covers, between the engine and transmission? Is it possible you overfilled with oil? As the oil heats up it expands and will find a weak spot to push out until it he's to a suitable level.

 

[kyle_in_rure]

When you say blue smoke came from the engine, where did it came from? Exhaust, valve covers, between the engine and transmission? Is it possible you overfilled with oil? As the oil heats up it expands and will find a weak spot to push out until it he's to a suitable level.

The times I pulled over it looked like it was just coming from around the engine on both sides. It was dark so it was hard to tell. When I made it back it was just coming from the oil resovoir when I took the cap off.

 

[kyle_in_rure]

Went to Autozone to get the trouble codes. The only thing they got was "Cylinder 3 misfire"

Could this be a result of running out of oil or something else entirely?

 

[kyle_in_rure]

This is a 1997 4.6L V8 if it makes a difference.

 

[Copper93]

The mis fire could be the results of oil fouling. Was temperature in the normal zone?

 

[kyle_in_rure]

The temperature was in the normal zone from what I remember. The only thing I noticed different was the truck shaking like crazy and the engine light flashing.

I was cruising around 70-75 maintaining around 2000-2500 RPMs, so if it was going to get hot I guess that's when it would happen.

 

[superexpy]

Sounds like a bad oil leak to me. Check to see if your PCV on your pass motor is plugged in. Sense blue smoke was coming up on both sides of the engine and you saw oil on the ground id bet its your oil sending sensor. When they go bad they like to squirt oil everywhere.

 

[kyle_in_rure]

Sounds like a bad oil leak to me. Check to see if your PCV on your pass motor is plugged in. Sense blue smoke was coming up on both sides of the engine and you saw oil on the ground id bet its your oil sending sensor. When they go bad they like to squirt oil everywhere.

The PCV looks like it's plugged in.

 

[JUST4FUN]

How full on the dipstick are you filling it?

 

[kyle_in_rure]

It's all the way up the dipstick now. Probably was about a quart low.

I don't think it's an oil problem at all, probably just due for a tune up. I don't think the previous owner had one done ever, and at 186,000 it's probably way past due haha.

I've also noticed for the past few months it seems to idle less smoothly (the whole truck has a "shake" to it)

I'm bringing it to a friend's mechanic in a couple days; as far as vehicles go, I know just enough to be dangerous.....

 

[JUST4FUN]

I think im not understanding you, if its all the way up the dipstick its WAY over full.

 

[kyle_in_rure]

I think im not understanding you, if its all the way up the dipstick its WAY over full.

What I should have said is that the oil level is right at the MAX mark. All the way up the dipstick would be a problem, wouldn't it? Hahaha