Hi, I have a 1998 2.4ltr petrol L300 van and it has always used about a litre of oil every 1000ks since i purchased it at 150000ks (now has 200000ks) and now smokes badly when cold, it has good compression and runs well , I believe that there may be some common fault with cylinder head/valve guides . has any one else had the same problem and if so what is needed to be done to fix it.

Hi, have had similar problem that I believe is internal damage to seals probably from overheating, loss of coolant at some stage. As a measure to curtail oil loss not evident from leakage there are propriety remedies in bottles at your auto mart. Here in NZ we have Wynns and STP with products called "Smokestop" or similar, this has worked for me. The cost here in NZ about NZ$16. For leaks of oil in evidence by drips or pooling a similar in bottle product "Oil Treatment" or suchlike of similar cost will expand gaskets enabling a better seal, though this may not do much for rubber oil seals that have failed.

Valve stem seals are common and cause smoke especially when cold.

Ring tension can also be lost if the engine was overheated or just simply with having high kms.

All of your symptoms are common on these engines and on every engine with high kms or if overheated.