I have a car that uses some oil...varies with temperature from about 1 qt/700 miles at 0 degrees F to about 1 quart/3,000 miles at 85 degrees F.
The car calls for 5W30, but I have experimented with various oil grades ranging from 5W40, 5W50, 10W40 and most recently 20W50 (no - didnt try 15W40 or 15W50). I have not noticed any significant reduction in drivability, starting or fuel economy with the 20W50, but I wouldn't doubt some could be measured using accurate measuring devices...still...not enough to worry about.
Since varying temperatures seem to cloud the consumption rate, I am wondering if any others have experience using thicker oil to reduce consumption.
Please don't explain to me that thicker oil doesn't fix worn engines and that I should have the engine rebuilt. The car is only worth $1,500 or so, it starts and runs perfectly and there is no smoke...so I am not anxious to spend money on engine work that may or may not correct the problem. I am just making a hobby out of experimenting with my rolling oil laboratory.
What I would like to know are others' experiences with using thicker oil to reduce consumption. Does it work and are there any adverse side effects?
The car calls for 5W30, but I have experimented with various oil grades ranging from 5W40, 5W50, 10W40 and most recently 20W50 (no - didnt try 15W40 or 15W50). I have not noticed any significant reduction in drivability, starting or fuel economy with the 20W50, but I wouldn't doubt some could be measured using accurate measuring devices...still...not enough to worry about.
Since varying temperatures seem to cloud the consumption rate, I am wondering if any others have experience using thicker oil to reduce consumption.
Please don't explain to me that thicker oil doesn't fix worn engines and that I should have the engine rebuilt. The car is only worth $1,500 or so, it starts and runs perfectly and there is no smoke...so I am not anxious to spend money on engine work that may or may not correct the problem. I am just making a hobby out of experimenting with my rolling oil laboratory.
What I would like to know are others' experiences with using thicker oil to reduce consumption. Does it work and are there any adverse side effects?