I need some help in understanding oil weight

[BIG WOOD]

The backup box/van I bought burns about a quart of oil in between oil changes. It’s made to take 5w30

If it’s leaking through the top end, would a thicker, not heavier oil help? Something like 5w40? Or do I have it backwards and need 10w30?

I was always told that 5w is better because it stays in the piston walls longer for a safer cold start.

Thanks for any advice you can give

 

[BIG WOOD]

And my dumb ass sold auto parts for a year prior to rug sucking. I didn’t know anything about oil, but I was king at putting on some windshield wipers and swapping out battries. Yes, we called them battries

 

[FredC]

The situation you describe you aren't likely to see any difference.

and yes the higher the weight the "thicker"

the lower number in multi-weight what it flows like cold (below freezing).

 

[Mikey P]

would you mind Go-Pro'ing your next DIY self oil change.

 

[BIG WOOD]

The situation you describe you aren't likely to see any difference.

and yes the higher the weight the "thicker"

the lower number in multi-weight what it flows like cold (below freezing).

So 5w40 should be the better choice?

 

[BIG WOOD]

I’m just wanting to bandaid the situation right now until I’m ready to do a bigger investment.

 

[Cleanworks]

The backup box/van I bought burns about a quart of oil in between oil changes. It’s made to take 5w30

If it’s leaking through the top end, would a thicker, not heavier oil help? Something like 5w40? Or do I have it backwards and need 10w30?

I was always told that 5w is better because it stays in the piston walls longer for a safer cold start.

Thanks for any advice you can giveget

Get some Lucas oil additive

 

[BIG WOOD]

Get some Lucas oil additive

I sure will

 

[Dolly Llama]

If it’s leaking through the top end

"leaking"??

using a qt between changes isn't a big deal .
if it's a Chevy/GM motor, it's not unusual even in lower mileage rides

Leaking is another thing

..L.T.A.

 

[BIG WOOD]

"leaking"??

using a qt between changes isn't a big deal .
if it's a Chevy/GM motor, it's not unusual even in lower mileage rides

Leaking is another thing

..L.T.A.

Leaking through the piston rings being burned off.

 

[BIG WOOD]

When it gets over 80f this late spring, I’m switching over to 5w40

5w30 vs 5w40 oil Guide + Major Difference between 5w30 and 5w40 - AutoVFix.com

5w30 vs 5w40, which is the best oil for your car? This article will go through the main difference between 5w30 and 5w40 that way, you can make an informed

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I’ll do some research on the difference between 5w30 and 10w30 during the winter months. I’m concerned it won’t be as good on cold starts if I go up to 10w30

 

[Mikey P]

how cold is cold out there?


Would you mind GoPro'ing yourself when you eat lunch today?

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Get some Lucas oil additive

Been using Lucas oil additive for a couple years in an older vehicle. Seems to work well. Lucas has a bunch of products. I get the oil synthetic additive since I am using Mobil One oil.

 

[Dolly Llama]

speaking of Mobil 1 full synthetic
Sam's Club has it discounted this week.
$27 bukz for a 5 qt box

..L.T.A.

 

[Jimmy L]

Supertech by walmart here. Tested out very well by that youtube guy who tested most of the popular brands. Matt I would use the high mileage synthetic.

 

[Jimmy L]

Supertech by walmart here. Tested out very well by that youtube guy who tested most of the popular brands. Matt I would use the high mileage synthetic.

 

[Desk Jockey]

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[FredC]

So 5w40 should be the better choice?

No....it isn't likely to provide any benefit


additives won't help either

 

[Desk Jockey]

Don't believe the additive hype then?

 

[FredC]

Don't believe the additive hype then?

mostly no

but remember he is trying to fix and issue of burning a quart of oil. Thicker oil isn't going to stop that.

an additive that swells seals (stop leak) might provide some benefit if it is being lost by seals....but I wouldn't use it

it is unlikely there is any problem with the current oil when it comes to coating/cold starts so an additive is likely pointless there too

 

[The Great Oz]

If your oil burning is due to worn cylinders/rings/valve guides, high viscosity oil might slow down the burn rate by a fraction. AS others have said, a quart between oil changes isn't bad, but it wouldn't hurt to move up to 20/50 for one oil change cycle and see how it does.

There are some "engine repair in a can" products that leave a hard deposit on internal surfaces and do work to stop oil burning from worn rings or valve guides. I don't know how well they work long term, I learned about them from a gypsy used car dealer that was only interested in stopping a smoky exhaust.

 

[steve_64]

Using the wrong oil can can cause the small ports going to the valves to plug up in some engines.
But I did use 30 weight in my bronco II to stop a camshaft bearing from knocking.
As long as it's not smoking I would stick with factory specs.

 

[Dolly Llama]

correction note
Mobile 1 at Sams is a 6 qt case for $27......$4.50/qt
bought some more last week...still on sale

..L.T.A.