Inherited 86 Chevy from Grandpa

[Texasline]

My "new" mechanic and I had a talk about the issues. In the last 2-3 days this "tick" got worse and it looks like the liffters were not getting oil; oil level had dropped tremendously in this time period.

I had put in a quart of different oil a few days ago - still 10-40 though.

It is burning oil (but not a lot) - I knew this. At first they recommended a complete overhaul, because of the burning oil and the thought that it appeared to be leaking from the rear main seal and the bottom ring seals. After the $2100 quote I said that that was not going to happen. Then I pointed out the oil near the fuel pump.

The actual mechanic and I got under the truck and he begin to think that even though it was burning oil, a few steps could be taken first, to see if we could get it in better shape before such a drastic operation.

The valve cover gaskets weren't leaking too bad...so...instead of a complete overhaul,....which wasn't going to happen anyways....

I had them replace the Fuel Pump gasket, and do an oil change but this time with "Lucas" oil treatment and 20-50 oil. Never heard of 20-50 oil. Anyhow, hope this helps the poor thing

When I finally got him to try something else instead of the "overhaul" route, I though that maybe this is something I could of done - ie the Fuel Pump gasket.

It's a good learning experience though...so maybe next time.

Any thoughts?