HM oil and consumption

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My Grand Caravan has used synthetic oil since about 36k miles. Currently at 174k. I've used mostly Pennzoil Platinum but have alternated using Mobil 1 when the prices was close or the same. My last few OCI's have been Mobil 1 5w30. The last oil change, I switched to Mobil 1 High Mileage. Figured it couldn't hurt, and may help. I usually get some consumption with this engine, have had since new. Currently, usage seems to be up slightly since the switch to High Mileage oil. From about a half quart in 2k miles to 1 full qt in the same 2k. Could High Mileage oil cause this. Is the van just "adjusting" to this oil?
 
For now I would say it is "adjusting" to the chemistry of the first oci of Mobil 1 High Mileage oil. Monitor it the rest of this oci and change it at the same mileage as normal. Get back with us to let us know how its doing 2k into next oci.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Keep using the Mobil 1 High Mileage, don't flip flop for a couple changes and it should subside. Those engines do like to consume oil though.


901 -

are you saying to stick with the same brand of High Mileage oil? I ask because my daughter's 98 Accord is consuming oil (no leaks, no plumes of smoke, clean PCV ,...) and last oil change I used Pennzoil High Mileage. Picked up some MaxLife at Walmart on sale and planned on using that next.

Bad idea?
 
I think 901 is saying that you can't judge how a oil performs based on one oil change. So you shoulddn't switch brands based on a little consumption. Sometimes, the vehicle is just adusting to a particular brand of oil.
 
The Mobil 1 High Mileage is notably thicker than the other 5w30's you've been using. Could be that, could be the new brew, either way I say stick with it a while and ride it out.
 
So it's advisable to be "brand loyal" for a couple OCIs... Specifically with regard to High Mileage oils?

I understand the rationale but would I be making a mistake switching from Pennzoil High Mileage to MaxLife after only one cycle? Perhaps mistake is too strong a word...

I'm simply being cheap here... The MaxLife was such a good deal... $12 for a 5 qt jug, I think
 
Finz, if the Maxlife is cheaper and you like it, there is nothing wrong with switching. I would pick an oil you like and stick with it a couple of OCI's. If you notice consistent consumption that is out of character for your vehicle, then try another oil.
The consumption for my vehicle was more than its previous consumption history. Was a little surprised by that. But I will continue to run this oil another OCI or two and see what happens.
 
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I was able to pick up all of the G-oil (8 quarts) and all of the Ultra (12) quarts for $3 each. Called the manager and told him I would get it out of his way and take it all for $3/qt. He said "o.k.".

Now the delimma, I would like to use the Ultra in the Colorado, but the Colorado is spec'd for 5w30. In order to stretch out the Ultra, I would use 4 qts Ultra mixed with one quart Pennzoil Platinuminum. That would get me through three OCI's. Or I could do three quarts Ultra and two quarts Pennzoil Platinum which would get me through four OCI's (four years, once per year OCI). The 3/2 would be the preferred route. If so, what weight Pennzoil Platinum should I choose to get the mix closer to a 30 wt?

Second delimma, eight quarts of G-Oil is not enough for two oil changes. I could do a 4/1 mix. What would be a good oil to mix with the G-Oil. If I can find another retailer who carries G-oil, I could pick up two more quarts, but not sure who else in this area would carry it.
 
Since topping off, i have put about 1700 miles on the vehicle. Its looking like after some initial adjusting, the High Mileage oil is actually reducing or eliminating consumption.
 
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