Originally Posted By: Bushshaker
I have a 2004 GMC 1500 with 5.3 aluminum block motor with 200k miles. Motor is starting to use about a half a quart between changes. I've always used 5W30 per manufacture, adding 10W40 to top off in between changing. Is their a better grade I can use? I'm leaning towards running thicker this summer but, after reading some articles on this site. Then tossing out everything I thought I knew about lubrication, other than change often. I'm in the dazed and confused mode at this moment! Summer here, we see 100 degrees with 100% humidity on a handful of days. What grade would you run? Thoughts and information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Hi Bushshaker, we would recommend that you stay with your original OEM viscosity recommendation of 5W-30, but maybe bump over to a high mileage product (given your 200k miles), such as Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage with PurePlus Technology.
Being a high mileage oil, it is formulated with an increased amount of seal conditioner, so it that it can help reduce leaks and oil consumption (as well as
helping to keep your pistons up to 40% cleaner than the toughest industry standards). Since it's a full synthetic motor oil, it can “stand the heat” of your Georgia summers much better than a conventional motor oil, resisting viscosity loss with the higher temperatures, etc. This full synthetic high mileage oil can also help cleanup older engines by gently lifting sludge deposits off of engine surfaces (and dissolving them safely into the oil, so that these deposits can be taken out of the engine at your next oil change). - The Pennzoil Team