Oil Weights Fix Consumption?

[jhale2004]

Has anyone used different weights of oil to try and stop oil consumption? I know the truck says to use 5-30.

[redvett]

All engines consume oil while running old or new. Since you havent told us how much oil you are using i am going to say that 1 qt 3000 is normal. Heavier viscosity will not solve a problem.

[Austin83]

Heavier oil weight can help with oil consumption with some higher mileage vehicles that might burn some oil. I run 10w40 in my old Jeep to help with the noisy straight 6 and with any burning issues. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that 5w30 and 10w30 will be the exact same weight at normal operating temperature, but the 10w30 is heavier at initial cold start. I may have that backwards though....I try to stay with what the manual says though because GM has selected 5w30 for a reason. How much are you losing?

[blacksierra01]

Heavier oil weight can help with oil consumption with some higher mileage vehicles that might burn some oil. I run 10w40 in my old Jeep to help with the noisy straight 6 and with any burning issues. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that 5w30 and 10w30 will be the exact same weight at normal operating temperature, but the 10w30 is heavier at initial cold start. I may have that backwards though....I try to stay with what the manual says though because GM has selected 5w30 for a reason. How much are you losing?

 

You're right. 5w30 and 10w30 are a 30 weight oil when at opperating temp. If you are burning an excessive ammount of oil, changing to a heavier weight wont solve the problem.

[Austin83]

Some people will run a heavier oil in harsh and warm climates for extra protection or peace of mind. I am a firm believer in being consistent with brand and weight of oil. Even in the white hot heat of a 1,000 suns here in Texas I feel comfortable with 5w30. In any case, I digress...

[jhale2004]

I have used about 1qt in 3k miles. I have never had another vehicle consume that much oil before.

[Austin83]

I have used about 1qt in 3k miles. I have never had another vehicle consume that much oil before.

 

That's not really that bad. I think both Ford and GM state that 1 qt every 1,000 miles is within spec. I also do not think a new vehicle should use oil, but apparently it happens. I can however understand 100,000+ miles and some oil usage.

[RockySierra]

Using a thicker weight oil is not a good idea on any vehicle if the manufacturer specs do not say it is approved. One of the biggest reasons behind this is that there are small passages in the engine where oil NEEDS to get to for lubricating, and the thicker oil won't make it. This is particularly true on many of the Asian engines, some of the European, and a few American engines.

[txab]

Before using different weights why not try different brands of oils. Some have had success.

[DaveH71]

Give a look at the different oil catch can setups throughout this board. Might not save you from loosing the oil but at least it will help keep most of it from being sucked into the combustion chamber.

[jhale2004]

I will check that out. I had an 07 Ram with the MDS and it never used any oil. If I am burning a qt per 3k miles I can probably learn to live with that but if it gets worse over time I will be dissapointed.

[Austin83]

Before using different weights why not try different brands of oils. Some have had success.

 

 

 

+ Good point! I've heard of Mobil 1 helping with oil consumption. I haven't had any oil consumption problems, but I do use Mobil 1. GM puts Mobil 1 in Corvettes, and many Corvette owners stick with it. Corvette owners are very serious about their cars so I often pay attention to what they use.

[Z45]

Try a different brand of oil. All oils are subject to volatility. API spec's the limit for volatility at 15% and most oil will be at or the near that 15%. Synthetic oils can be less but not necessarily as to reduce that % takes more expensive additives and even at that, 5-10% is the range for a GOOD synthetic oil. Most oils will never publish what % their oil is, rarely are any under 10%. So its normal for oil to evaporate, some worse than others and 15% loss is considered NORMAL.

 

6 qts x .15 = 0.90 qt

 

The 100% synthetic I use is at 7%.

 

 

NOACK Volatility

 

ASTM D5800 - 08 Standard Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Oils by the NOACK Method

 

NOACK volatility determines the evaporative loss of engine oils. This test is important because the operating temperatures of an engine will typically drive off the lighter ends of a lubricant while in service. This effectively results in pushing the viscosity of the lubricant to a more viscous level (up) and, as a result, fuel economy goes down due to an increase in parasitic load.

 

The evaporation loss is of particular importance in engine lubrication. Where high temperatures occur, portions of an oil can evaporate. Evaporation may contribute to oil consumption in an engine and can lead to a change in the properties of an oil.

[Black02Silverado]

You beat me to it Mike.

[jro909]

when i had my 91 s-10, i ran 10w30 and it eased oil consumption enough that it was tolerable during the 3k oil change interval....but as stated it only helps really during start up( the tired 4.3 would burp some oil at start up) but i switched to 5w30 on accident and the valve cover seals began to seep... i just 5w30 in my silvy because its recommended