Oil consumption, 2003 4.3 chevy Blazer 4x4

[jrod102]

Just turned 103500 miles. I've been using Amsoil 5w30 since the 48000 mile mark doing 10k OCI with Amsoil filter. It's been using about a quart in that 10k OCI. Some times it will take me up to 2 years to get 10000 miles on it before a full OC. Thinking of going to a different synthetic oil, and need some suggestions. Something that might help the oil consumption?? Or should I stick with the Amsoil? I have considered shell T6 but have read it doesn't like cat converters?

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!!

Thanks!!

 

[DoubleWasp]

You're looking for a solution to something that is not a problem. 1 quart over 2 years and 10k miles?

Keep doing what you are doing and stop worrying. Plenty of new car owners would love to use only 1 quart over 10k miles.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
You're looking for a solution to something that is not a problem. 1 quart over 2 years and 10k miles?

Keep doing what you are doing and stop worrying. Plenty of new car owners would love to use only 1 quart over 10k miles.


Exactly. There are no solutions for problems that don't exist.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
You're looking for a solution to something that is not a problem. 1 quart over 2 years and 10k miles?

Keep doing what you are doing and stop worrying. Plenty of new car owners would love to use only 1 quart over 10k miles.


+3

 

[supton]

I suspect you'd be shocked at what OEM's consider "normal" oil consumption!

I'd leave well enough alone here.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Originally Posted By: supton
I suspect you'd be shocked at what OEM's consider "normal" oil consumption!

I'd leave well enough alone here.


If it were a BMW M engine, it would be acceptable to eat that quart in 1/20 of the mileage.

 

[NH73]

I have a Blazer just like yours. I now have 119,600 miles on it. Did you spot any oil where its park? Right now, my Blazer is taking more than that. I have a leak in my oil cooler lines and timing chain cover, but I still got by with a little over a quart in 5000 miles.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: jrod102
Just turned 103500 miles. I've been using Amsoil 5w30 since the 48000 mile mark doing 10k OCI with Amsoil filter. It's been using about a quart in that 10k OCI. Some times it will take me up to 2 years to get 10000 miles on it before a full OC. Thinking of going to a different synthetic oil, and need some suggestions. Something that might help the oil consumption?? Or should I stick with the Amsoil? I have considered shell T6 but have read it doesn't like cat converters?

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!! T6 is rated for gas engines as well as diesel. I've used T6 in Camrys since it came out and put hundreds of thousands on them without converter problems. If your owners manual says you can use an SM oil, you can use T6. Sounds like Amsoil did nothing special for your vehicle.

Thanks!!

 

[901Memphis]

Just use something less expensive to top off. The Rotella T6 5w40 is fine too. The phosphorus will only poison the cat if it's burning a lot of oil plus a lot of them can be out of spec after 100k miles and already throwing a code

 

[NH73]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: jrod102
Just turned 103500 miles. I've been using Amsoil 5w30 since the 48000 mile mark doing 10k OCI with Amsoil filter. It's been using about a quart in that 10k OCI. Some times it will take me up to 2 years to get 10000 miles on it before a full OC. Thinking of going to a different synthetic oil, and need some suggestions. Something that might help the oil consumption?? Or should I stick with the Amsoil? I have considered shell T6 but have read it doesn't like cat converters?

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!! T6 is rated for gas engines as well as diesel. I've used T6 in Camrys since it came out and put hundreds of thousands on them without converter problems. If your owners manual says you can use an SM oil, you can use T6. Sounds like Amsoil did nothing special for your vehicle.

Thanks!!

Yes, your right. T6 is rated for gas as well as diesel. But it only carries a API SM, which is not a big deal for this vehicle, because in 2002-03 when they were made, API SL was the latest motor oil rating. The thing they are worried about destroying catiytic convertors is the ZDDP levels in oil, so beginning with the API SM oils they were required to lower there levels, but that is only for -w20 and -w30 oils. But that was long after catalytic convertors been used. So any -w40, -w50, and -w60 oils that are API SM or SN are not required to lower there ZDDP levels. If you happy do what you are using Amsoil 5w30, keep doing it. If your looking for going cheaper, look for deals on oil elsewhere.

 

[901Memphis]

Other options are Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30 or 10w40

 

[Branson304]

I agree with the others that a quart over 10,000 miles isn't bad. But you could switch to Valvoline Full Synthetic with MaxLife if you'd like. It may cut back on oil consumption.

 

[DS9]

Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
You're looking for a solution to something that is not a problem. 1 quart over 2 years and 10k miles?

Keep doing what you are doing and stop worrying. Plenty of new car owners would love to use only 1 quart over 10k miles.


+3


+4

 

[cmhj]

So what's the problem?

 

[jrod102]

Thanks so much for the info from everyone!!! I didn't realize 1qt over a 10,000mi oci wasn't a problem. Thanks again to all for lowering my stress and worry level!!!! You guys rock!!!!

In the immortal words of Joe Dirt, "Keep on, keepin on" \m/. So I guess I'll stick with what I'm doing.

 

[artificialist]

This is a normal rate of oil consumption.

That in mind, see if your engine uses a PCV valve. Odds are it has never been changed and sometimes lets oil into the engine intake. A new PCV valve probably costs less than $10 and is also probably easy to reach.