Thought that I'd share my experiences with my wife's 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.3. I inherited it a couple of years ago with around 195k on the clock. It was in good shape (except for basically being ran out of oil - a surprise for sure when I pulled the drain plug!) so we elected to clean it up and keep it. I went through the engine and replaced all gaskets but the rear main and head gaskets. It leaks no oil and runs as well as a 3.3 will ever run, but it does tend to use between 2-3 qts in 7500 miles of generally highway driving. This time around I used Castrol Euro 5W40 and so far it's used only a couple of ounces in 2k plus miles. Has anyone else had this experience? Does the Castrol have a bit lower NOACK or is it just a bit thicker/higher HTHS?
Reduced oil consumption with Castrol Edge 5w-40 vs Mobil 1 0W-40
- Thread starter The_Eric
- Start date
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Some engines "like" some oils better than others. No, it does not have a lower Noack nor is it thicker. Actually, it is just Group III oil, unlike M1 0W40, which is GTL/PAO. I found that sometimes our VW uses a bit of oil over 5k with Motul, etc., but never Mobil1. So, I guess just keep using that Castrol.
Thought about cleaning it up with VRP or HPL EC? With 195K, and obviously it consumed oil, it may be a benefit. Or just keep using the Castrol.
No I haven't considered using any special cleaners as it was surprisingly clean inside. Just a light coat of varnish here and there. When I had the oil pan off, it too was clean and free of sludge and only had some light varnish on it.
Thats surprisingly good, but the constant fresh oil was keeping things "clean". I'm talking more about cleaning for ringpacks and freeing them up as they are probably a bit stuck.
Oh I see - I may pursue that, but if the oil consumption stays lower then I probably won't worry about it.
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