Opinion on top up oil

[brian_06328]

I'm looking for opinions on what I am doing for top up oil on the '02 Taurus. It is a 3.0 duratec and has ~119k miles. It started using about a quart in 4k miles over time, it has spent most of it's life getting Mobil 1 5W20 with P1 filters. We bought it with 17k miles on it.

I recently switched to Havoline DG 5W20 based a lot on what I had read on here. I run a 5k OCI and realized I don't need to spend syn money for that distance. I used to be a huge Havoline fan and returned to it especially since I can get it on sale around here for a reasonable price. I also switched to MC FL820S filters, also based on what I read here

A few years ago my dad was cleaning his garage and found a new, unopened case of Havoline 5W30 (API SJ) and had no need for it. At the time I had a '96 Mazda that I used 5W30 in so thought that was perfect, it was made for SJ. That car is gone so now I have the leftover of that case in the garage, I have been using it as a top-up and not worrying about it. I just topped it up today and got to wondering what others might think about that mix of SN/SJ.

The engine has a 6 qt capacity btw

On a side note, I noticed that oil consumption has actually decreased since I switched from Mobil 1 to conventional Havoline.

 

[dlundblad]

Good to hear the consumption decreased with the use of a conventional. Its cheaper and you use less.

I would have no worries using that API SJ as a top off oil assuming its all unopened. Many here would argue it could be used for a whole OCI, but I am not that brave.

Top offs, use in push mower etc.

 

[Leo99]

I'd try a high mileage oil like Valvoline. Do you know if it's burning the oil or leaking the oil?

What oil weight does Ford recommend for the engine?

 

[901Memphis]

Nothing wrong with using the API SJ for top off!

 

[HTSS_TR]

Yes, high mileage oil may reduce oil consumption even more.

Top off with 1/2 to 1 quart in a 6 quart sump is okay even with SJ oil. I think 02 Taurus oil spec is SL, SJ is 1 API older and at less than 20% of the total doesn't hurt the engine.

 

[901Memphis]

It's a 5w20 application. I use 5w30 in my Vulcan 3.0 even though it's back specd to 5w20 because it drinks Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30 like water as is. Probably 1 quart every 1k.

I wouldn't worry about it now but if your consumption gets worse the 5w30 high mileage oils will help some.

 

[dave1251]

Go ahead and use that Havoline up!

 

[brian_06328]

Thanks for the input guys, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing until that oil is gone. I think there are four quarts left. Usually hit 5K at about 8 months, give or take.

I know some of the oil is leaking from the drain plug, it will get a new one next OCI. This is the type of plug that has a rubber gasket built in and they need to be replaced every once in a while.

I had intended to go to a High Mileage oil at 100K, but never did. If the new plug cures the drip (may be some from the pan as well) and consumption slows down I'll stay with the Havoline, if not I may give the Valvoline Maxlife a try.

I used to have a '00 Taurus with the Duratec and it spec'd the 5W30, I think that changed in '01 or '02 to the 5W20. I know I used 5W20 in the '00 without knowing Ford had back spec'd it just because I liked to stock one oil for both cars (yep, had his and hers Taurus' for a while)

 

[dave1251]

Chevron/Havoline blends a High Mileage oil also. A "local" Walmart has it in stock if you look, I am sure you can find a retailer that has some.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Why not save one of those quarts as a keepsake?

 

[sicko]

If it were my vehicle, I'd top up with the SJ oil without hesitation.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

SJ Would make a good bridal shower gift!