Oil Consumption Down with 10W30??

[rjundi]

Hi All,

My wife's 96 Civic with 170k miles was consuming 1 quart every 1000-1500 miles since about 125k. This was using whatever oil lube put in. The worst was using mobil 1 (frist run) which we ran over 7500 miles and topped up with 5 quarts starting with Wally Syn down to SuperTech dino.

Anyway the last change Walmart (never to return there different story) placed 10W30 Pennzoil bulk/Fram on it. We are approaching the 5k mark and ready to change and have only added 1/2quart top up over this time?? I did check right after change as a double check and level was perfect.

Anyway why the change, for the better at least but we are confused a bit????

 

[Blue99]

It's possible that during the 5K OCI with Mobil 1, the better flow properties of a PAO synthetic allowed the oil to work its way into the problem ring pack or valve stem seal.

The current oil probably isn't the magical cure for the oil usage problem. Typically, Pennzoil 10W-30 will shear down to the 55-57 SUS range, just like most 5w30's, over a 5K interval.

Hopefully, for the sake of the catalytic converter on that Honda Civic, the consumption issue is resolved!

 

[Dr. T]

I think that the picture is: Who knows what's really in there....if your story is anything of a disaster you may in fact have 10-40 or 15-40 bulk in there rather than the 10-30 that you think you do. That would account for the dramatically reduced consumption that you see.

 

[rjundi]

The convertor is new and fortunately was repaired free along with two o2 sensors just before 150k miles. Apparently Honda had to extend emmisions warranty and we were covered.

 

[Thomas Pyrek]

I have a similar situation with my mom's car. She has a 99 Bonneville with the Series II 3800. During the summer I run Delvac 1300 15w40 and her car would consume some oil, but not enough to warrant a problem.

I figured a better winter choice would be Mobil 1 5w30. Since then I have had no noticable oil consumption.