This isn’t a real problem, but I’m always trolling around for something to fix. When I hold my hand under my exhaust when idling I feel three pulses of air and then one big one, instead of four equally-sized pulses. Is that normal or does that indicate something that needs fixing?

Also, what’s a normal amount of oil consumption for a thirty-five-year-old car?

And also, should I fix my own odometer or am I likely to make a mess of it? It’s been stuck at 271,710 since 1999, and I tell people that so they can add another hundred thousand in their heads but it’s not the same badge of honor. Also I want to know once and for all how dismal my fuel consumption really is. I’ve already got one of those tiny plastic gears to replace the one that’s probably the problem.

 

1. Hard to say. Isthe engine misfiring? These pulses, depends on how strong they are, would mean an engine miss, but depends.
2. Age has little to do with it, but with these miles, a little oil burning is expected, I'd be happy with 1qt every 1,500-2,000 miles.
3. Odo is not hard to fix if you are a little mechanically inclined. Better than changing parts, get a used one from a junkyard-they are cheap and plentiful. "Pick Your Own Part" type is the best kind for an old Volvo...