I purchased my 1999 Forester with 62,000 miles about 30 days ago. It has a manual transmission and the 2.5L engine. I've driven it about 4000 miles and the engine has used 10 quarts of oil! That's 400 miles per quart of oil!
Compression test shows all cylinders about the same, 155 to 170 psi range Reving the engine above 4000 rpm, yeilds dark black smoke out the exhaust pipe. There are no external leaks from the engine or transmission area. There is no smoke in the exhaust at start up. Spark plugs may have a slightly brown dark ash, but the engine is running fine with no misfires or fouling of plugs. The well for Spark plug #1 was full of oil when I pulled the plugs.
I think the valve seals are leaking, but is there something else I may be overlooking? How difficult is replacing valve seals? Will I need to pull the camshafts or just the rocker assembly?
Thanks for all your help! Pete