Need help...having oil problems!

[240sx_racer]

I have a 1993 240 hatch with the KA24DE in it and it looks as if its burning oil. There is grey smoke that comes out of the exhaust and there is some residew on the left side of the engine and it looks as if its oil build-up on the outside of the head. I change my oil about every 3,000 miles and when I do, only 1 quart of oil comes out of the oil pan, and I even throw another quart of oil in when it gets low. I was told 3 different things, either its the seal on the head, bad head gasket, or I need a valve job...but the people that told me it was 1 of those couldnt tell me why or how it got like that. Hopefully someone knows what they're talking about and can shed some light on this. Thanks!

[rotorimp]

Do a compression check--easy and quick. This will tell you the basic condition of the motor. You can do a cylinder leak down test and it will tell you how the valves are holding up. As for the outside leaks there is only one thing you can do--fix em! Remember that your car has been around a while and is probably getting a litte tired--give it some love and it will be fine---BTW check your oil more often--don't let it get down to 1 quart.

[240sx_racer]

I have checked it more adn now im throwing in about 2 more quarts of oil in the 3,000 miles and i was told the other day that it could be some bad piston rings, so i pulled all of my spark plugs and there is a little dried up oil on them, so i think maybe thats a sign for whats wrong with it.

[rotorimp]

Did you do a compression check yet?

[240sx_racer]

No not yet, where would i go to get one?

[rogoman]

You can do a compression test youself. However if you're not sure of what to do, take it to a local auto repair shop or to a Nissan dealer.