Don't know if the 4WD Rav4 fits here but I figured I'd try anyway. My question is pretty generic so others may benefit as well.
I recently (10k miles ago) rebuilt the engine in my Rav4 and it burns oil. The rebuild was complete - new pumps, belts, idlers, bearings, rings, valve job, valve seals, etc, etc. I primed the oil pump before I started the motor and my gauge read 75psi or so which is what I'd expect from a new OEM pump. I have no noticeable smoke from the tail pipe or leaks on the floor yet I consume a quart in 1000 miles plus or minus. One thing to note is after extended sitting the engine rattles for a few seconds on start up, like a knocking rod, but then quiets down and sounds fine. The rattle on start up sounds like loose main bearings to me yet when assembled the clearances were fine. I plan to do a compression test, oil pressure test and leak down test. The oil pressure check is to check the mains. I'm not sure if the leak down test will tell me anything about oil rings function so I will ask. I figured loose mains may increase windage which could lead to increase oil burning. I am hoping someone may have some other areas to check that would lead to fixes easier than pulling the engine back out and replacing main bearings. Thank you in advance.