Oil Consumption Occuring...Is a Change of Viscosity in Order?

ZBrink · 11-08-2009, 05:08 PM

Okay this is in regards to the 5.3 L in my 2000 Yukon with 160k. I'm posting it here because there is a greater amount of knowledgeable people on this forum when compared to any other I am a member of!!

I've owned this Yukon since 130k, have used only Mobil 1 - 10W30 and it consumes about a quart or a little less in between every change interval of 6k. It seems to "run" fine. I have no idea what oil the previous owner used or what change interval he had setup.

Anyway to cut down on consumption? Is this bad??

STL94LT1 · 11-08-2009, 05:27 PM

1 qt in 6k miles is not bad.

Shortimer · 11-08-2009, 10:59 PM

Considering your high mileage, one quart is normal. Short of a re-build with new rings and valve guides, seals and so on, I'd just keeping adding the oil. Before you go to a thicker oil, check the owner's manual to be sure you can go to a thicker oil. Consider the outside air temps as well during the life of the oil before the next oil change. A thinner oil (5-30W) is often used as a Winter oil. Newer engines require thinner oils. Hope this helps.

BSheppard · 11-08-2009, 11:28 PM

I also have a 5.3 in my Z71 that uses a little oil. I bought it with 40k on it back in 2003. It is a 2000 model that now has 180k miles on it. I was using 10w30 Mobile one and it was using about 1/2 quart between oil changes (5000 mile oil changes). After switching to 15w50 Mobile one, nothing has changed. Still using about 1/2 quart each change. I live in the south and it never gets all that cold so I think I will just stick to the heaver oil in it from now on. It never smokes even on start up so I'm not sure where it is going either.

Dave68 · 11-11-2009, 04:45 PM

You can try this if using conventional oil in a high mileage engine:

https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English...ge_10W-30.aspx