Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Lubener
Sounds like a plan to me. What do you suggest? Tear down the engine and overhaul on a car that at best is worth $2000?? He has checked the basics.Since safety is not involved here, it's about economics.
As already noted, yes, 15w-40 would be my preferred option in such a case.
Or 20w-50. The issue as described is blue smoke around startup, when the engine isn't at operating temperature. It would seem, then, that the lower number is perhaps more relevant.
Plus I don't understand this "go up a weight" [censored]-ing about in this (Californian) context, unless marginal fuel economy differences are the reason.
This is an old car on its last legs. Running the heaviest oil it'll take should slow wear rates as well as oil consumption, so it'll buy more time.
Originally Posted By: Lubener
Sounds like a plan to me. What do you suggest? Tear down the engine and overhaul on a car that at best is worth $2000?? He has checked the basics.Since safety is not involved here, it's about economics.
As already noted, yes, 15w-40 would be my preferred option in such a case.
Or 20w-50. The issue as described is blue smoke around startup, when the engine isn't at operating temperature. It would seem, then, that the lower number is perhaps more relevant.
Plus I don't understand this "go up a weight" [censored]-ing about in this (Californian) context, unless marginal fuel economy differences are the reason.
This is an old car on its last legs. Running the heaviest oil it'll take should slow wear rates as well as oil consumption, so it'll buy more time.