Oil consumption and overheating are two different things. Your oil consumption is normal for that many miles. Use a good grade of 10W30 high mileage oil.
The symptoms sound like you need to change your thermostat. A T-stat controls the minimum operating temperature of an engine. At 50 your gauge should be in the middle. Put in the correct temp t-stat. DON"T reduce the temperature.
If you have no T-stat the engine will overheat at slow speeds because the coolant flows through the engine too fast, not giving it enough time to cool.
Make sure you have good flow through your radialtor. If you have never changed the coolant the radiator is clogged with mineral deposits. Let me know.
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Friday, May 12th, 2006 AT 12:41 PM