Running heavier oil than spec

[Shannanigans]

Hi! I have a new-to-me 2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 with the 4.3l Vortec motor. Upon the first oil change, I noticed apparent metal chips on the magnetic drain plug. I proceeded to put niobium magnets on the oil filter and will reassess.

Can I run an extra heavy oil to help mitigate further damage? Say, 15-40W? I realize gas mileage may decline, but what other potential downsides exist?

Opinions are all over the map as to how long the engine may last. Some say they got another 100,000 miles! Some say go get a back-up vehicle immediately in the event the thing comes apart like a cheap suit! Obviously, it's not a great sign, and I am anting to do what I can to preserve it. It sounds good and runs smoothly. I have not done a compression test.

These Zr2s are sought-after and if cared for properly can last a long time. This one has 200k mi.

Thanks!!!

Shannon
2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 4.3l
2008 Nissan 350Z MT HR

 

[R18Civic]

Shoot. It isn't advisable but with my old Buick the LIM gasket went out and coolant weeped into the oil and wiped my bearings out. I upgraded from 5w30 to 10w40 and got another 3k out of it before she really started knocking.

 

[kschachn]

No oil will ever fix a mechanical defect but it may help to delay the inevitable.

The winter rating doesn’t make any difference. Try any 40 or 50-grade.

 

[fantastic]

An API SP 15w-50 or 20w-50
An API SP 10w-40
An API SP 5w-40 European
An API SP 15w-40 Mobil 1300 HDEO

Any of these flavors in the latest API SQ as well. You have several options.

 

[Hall]

on the magnetic drain plug

Not many vehicles use magnetic drain plugs for oil (transmission, yeah). Something tells me this has been ongoing and the previous owner installed that to monitor.

 

[fantastic]

Not many vehicles use magnetic drain plugs for oil (transmission, yeah). Something tells me this has been ongoing and the previous owner installed that to monitor.

I was surprised to see a magnet drain bolt on the 2017 Navigator. Wasn't much of anything on it though.

 

[burbguy82]

Hi! I have a new-to-me 2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 with the 4.3l Vortec motor. Upon the first oil change, I noticed apparent metal chips on the magnetic drain plug. I proceeded to put niobium magnets on the oil filter and will reassess.

Can I run an extra heavy oil to help mitigate further damage? Say, 15-40W? I realize gas mileage may decline, but what other potential downsides exist?

Opinions are all over the map as to how long the engine may last. Some say they got another 100,000 miles! Some say go get a back-up vehicle immediately in the event the thing comes apart like a cheap suit! Obviously, it's not a great sign, and I am anting to do what I can to preserve it. It sounds good and runs smoothly. I have not done a compression test.

These Zr2s are sought-after and if cared for properly can last a long time. This one has 200k mi.

Thanks!!!

Shannon
2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 4.3l
2008 Nissan 350Z MT HR

There are no downsides unless you live in a very cold environment. You will get a slight decrease in MPG, but much more protection than with 5w30.

I would not hesitate to run 15w40, but it will not fix the metal flakes.

 

[Lawnman23]

Upon the first oil change, I noticed apparent metal chips on the magnetic drain plug.

How big are "chips"? Do you have a pic by chance?

How did the oil pressure look before you discovered this?

 

[Slick 55]

Probably a very good chance it needs intake gaskets and an injector spider. Those failing are as common as the sun coming up.

 

[Auto tech]

Hi! I have a new-to-me 2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 with the 4.3l Vortec motor. Upon the first oil change, I noticed apparent metal chips on the magnetic drain plug. I proceeded to put niobium magnets on the oil filter and will reassess.

Can I run an extra heavy oil to help mitigate further damage? Say, 15-40W? I realize gas mileage may decline, but what other potential downsides exist?

Opinions are all over the map as to how long the engine may last. Some say they got another 100,000 miles! Some say go get a back-up vehicle immediately in the event the thing comes apart like a cheap suit! Obviously, it's not a great sign, and I am anting to do what I can to preserve it. It sounds good and runs smoothly. I have not done a compression test.

These Zr2s are sought-after and if cared for properly can last a long time. This one has 200k mi.

Thanks!!!

Shannon
2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 4.3l
2008 Nissan 350Z MT HR

Current mileage? Current oil viscosity used and dino or synthetic?

 

[Shannanigans]

Not many vehicles use magnetic drain plugs for oil (transmission, yeah). Something tells me this has been ongoing and the previous owner installed that to monitor.

Interesting. It had a few owners before me. It's a lesson in buying a used vehicle for me, to use a magnetic dipstick to check it out. I vetted the vehicle pretty good with the mechanics that took care of it. I even spoke with them. The truck was really clean and had a lot of regular maintenance performed.

 

[Shannanigans]

Current mileage? Current oil viscosity used and dino or synthetic?

About 200k. Synthetic. My fingers are crossed. Do you have any predictions?

 

[Shannanigans]

Current mileage? Current oil viscosity used and dino or synthetic?

About 200k. Synthetic. 5w30. Do you have any predictions for the longevity? It's a clean truck and has a decent maintenance record. It did have several different owners, but the last guy took very good care of it according to the shop he went to.

 

[Shannanigans]

Probably a very good chance it needs intake gaskets and an injector spider. Those failing are as common as the sun coming up.

Could be time. The spider may have already been done. I don't have any oil leakage.

 

[Shannanigans]

How big are "chips"? Do you have a pic by chance?

How did the oil pressure look before you discovered this?

Stand by for a picture. The oil pressure is good.

 

[Shannanigans]

Stand by for a picture. The oil pressure is good.

 

[Chief2025]

View attachment 345347

That looks like a lot....but it's hard to tell where the mag is....

 

[Chief2025]

View attachment 345347

How many miles on that oil?

 

[perkz]

I have a 1996 S-10 with the 4300. 318,000 miles. You could run a Euro 5-30 which is a bit thicker if you like but you don't need to baby that engine, just give shorter OCI's like 5,000 or 12 months. If see any sludge, use a quality engine flush.

 

[Rygrego]

Hi! I have a new-to-me 2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 with the 4.3l Vortec motor. Upon the first oil change, I noticed apparent metal chips on the magnetic drain plug. I proceeded to put niobium magnets on the oil filter and will reassess.

Can I run an extra heavy oil to help mitigate further damage? Say, 15-40W? I realize gas mileage may decline, but what other potential downsides exist?

Opinions are all over the map as to how long the engine may last. Some say they got another 100,000 miles! Some say go get a back-up vehicle immediately in the event the thing comes apart like a cheap suit! Obviously, it's not a great sign, and I am anting to do what I can to preserve it. It sounds good and runs smoothly. I have not done a compression test.

These Zr2s are sought-after and if cared for properly can last a long time. This one has 200k mi.

Thanks!!!

Shannon
2003 Chevy S10 Zr2 4.3l
2008 Nissan 350Z MT HR

Without an issue. The 4.3 is one of the most robust engines ever. Very old school and will run what ever grade you desire without an issue. All it is, is a small block 350 V8 minus two cylinders. In every GM engine I've owned over the past 50 years I've run either 5w40 or 20w50, including my 2016 GMC Yukon all with great success. If you notice a decline in fuel economy it's only in your head. Keep oil changes at no more than 5000 miles along with a good filter and you'll be golden. Good Luck and enjoy the last of the good GM V6s.