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?