HM oil benefits if not leaking oil

[AnarchyX]

Ok so I'm not leaking oil any longer after replacing valve cover thing. She's an '02 Envoy with 200k on her and she's now only using one quart ever 1,700 miles (yes!!!!), so I was wondering if switching to a high mileage oil will help me out any in the consumption the vehicle is naturally doing with all her years and miles.

She's a daily driver that still runs as good as when I bought her. I do recall at about the 100k mark she would use a quart of oil every 3k, so I guess almost doubling it 100k is normal?

Anyway, any info you guys have is good info

Thanks in advance

 

[demarpaint]

There is only one way to find out, and that would be to try it. You Envoy is the perfect candidate for HM oil, you have 200K miles and some oil consumption. It tends to be a little on the "thicker" side of the grade, and the extra additives to help stop and prevent leaks won't hurt either. Worst thing that can happen is you see no benefit, in which case you can try something else.

 

[randomhero439]

Just use a higher grade oil, like a 40 grade. IMO high-mileage oil is not needed if you are not leaking.

 

[AnarchyX]

So would a 40 just be thicker and be harder to burn off (i.e. be consumed slower) than the 5w30 I'm currently using?

Always wondered the benefits of going from 5w30 to 10w40

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: AnarchyX
So would a 40 just be thicker and be harder to burn off (i.e. be consumed slower) than the 5w30 I'm currently using?

Always wondered the benefits of going from 5w30 to 10w40


Not always, it depends on why the engine is using oil, if its valve seals and or valve guides a thicker oil might help. OTOH if the problem is with the rings the thicker oil might actually be used quicker. Shell did a study that backs up the statement, somewhere on this site is the study. Maybe someone has it bookmarked.

 

[Maxima97]

HM has HTHS. So even if engine is not leaking, you can still take advantage of HM if you are towing, up hill. Also also it treats your seal and you can change to synthetic oil in winter without worrying about leaking.

 

[maybehabitformin]

what oil are you using and what weight

 

[Rolla07]

Since you live in Texas, I would personally use a HM version of the current oil viscoty recommended by MFR or that you already use. If it reduces the oil use, than great, if not go to something a bit heavier. Trial and error if you dont want to try and find out why its using oil.

 

[KCJeep]

I do not understand the mindset of completely avoiding a HM oil if there are no known leaks... a stronger add pack and genreally bit thicker oil (usually) is of no benefit? But then we'll immediately recommend jumping up an entire grade?

I don't get that...

OP, if considering a HM oil the first place to start is Maxlife IMO. As demarpaint pointed out, there is absolutely no downside and a real potential for benefit. Maxlife actually has a patented additive aimed at reducing consumption, and from first hand experience I can tell you that it works.

 

[Danh]

HM oils are good for things other than leaks, as has been pointed out. However, just because you don't have leaks now doesn't mean they aren't on their way. Added seal conditioners may help your seals to remain pliable as the car ages, preventing leaks in the future.

 

[buster]

Higher detergent levels. Seal conditioners can only help, not harm. I'd go for it.

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: Danh
HM oils are good for things other than leaks, as has been pointed out. However, just because you don't have leaks now doesn't mean they aren't on their way. Added seal conditioners may help your seals to remain pliable as the car ages, preventing leaks in the future.


Completely agree.

 

[asand1]

Seal conditioners may close up valve guide seals. It's worth a try.

 

[bullwinkle]

MaxLife HALVED the oil consumption on my (now departed) '94 350 TBI Suburban (valve seals)-it's definitely worth a try.

 

[Clevy]

Stronger add pack,slightly thicker,seal conditioning agents. Almost like preventative maintenance possibly extending valve guide and gasket life.
If it wasn't winter I would be using some form of one in my hemi,and will be once the weather breaks.

 

[BillyTheKid]

Was the pcv checked?

HM oil is fine to use whenever you want, that's proven with certifications, etc. saying its bad is just speculation or opinion. Nothing wrong with using it, things will be fine to try. I'd vote for maxlife too.

 

[TallPaul]

I got my motorhome with 9700 miles on it and immediately started using high mileage oil in it. Has 36,000 miles now and running fine. High mileage oil is not just for high mileage cars. Also they say 75,000 is high mileage. That may have been true in the 1970s but these days high mileage is more like 125,000+.