Thanks for all the input. This has proven to be a real education for me.
I am now the proud owner of a new compression gauge and I will post the results of the compression test once I have a chance to do it. Did not yet buy a vacuum gauge - that is the next project. I will report the details of how behaves when I get a chance.
I think Terry may have hit on a point that has been puzzeling me. If cylinder #2 is taking on so much
oil, why is there no indication of buring
oil in the exhaust? There is no appearance or aroma of burning
oil whatsoever. There is no oily residue from the exahust. Had I not pulled the plugs I would have not had a clue that there was even a problem with plug #2.
I am really wondering if I have overestimated the oil consumption, since I was in the habit of toping it off the oil with a just a few ounces at a time rather than waiting for it to get a quart low. I am going to keep very accurate records of what is added from this point on.
I am still wondering if perhaps the rings have not fully seated - still have less than 2500 miles on the car.
But that puddle of oil around the base of plug #2 when I checked the new plugs last night still puzzles me.
Chuck