oil consumption

[weepaljoe]

Hi
I have a 2001 1.9D van 170K miles. I've run it for some time with the oil cooler by-passed, perhaps stupidly. Does anyone know if this would cause excessive oil consumption ie 1-2 Litres per 100 miles. Is it possible with the oil being too hot it would thin and more easily pass worn valve stem seals?
cheers weepaljoe

[homeruk]

That's huge consumption!

Your engine must be really clean.

It could also be leaking past the piston rings.

What oil are you using?

[ron]

Is it smoking?With that sort of consumption it should either smoke or leave oil slicks(not kind to motorcyclists).cratch:

[weepaljoe]

I'm using 10/40 oil and its only smoking slightly and on starting. The oil strangely enough is black, despite re-filling at least weekly and usually more. I can't see any leaks on the road when parking
weepaljoe