Oil consumption?

This is for my sister she has a Ford F-150 with 89,000 miles on it. She drives from 400 to 600 miles a week in light traffic in the morning and heavy evening traffic. She was using 10/30 weight oil, but was advised by *Jiffy Lube* to change to 10/50 weight for trucks over 75,000 miles.

Using the 10/50 the truck began using oil. She switched to 10/40 with the same results. There are no leaks and no smoke, so would you advise her to return to using 10/30 weight?

We appreciate time and consideration.

S & G

ehh... first off, what engine ?

a little bit of oil consumption isin't bad, you can drive a car for years if it uses a little bit of oil.

i've learned that unless you live in texas where its ungodly hot and dry, and you car/truck can run hot from time to time, the extra viscosity doesn't hurt anything, i've been told its a good protection and cheap insurance, because the hotter oil gets the thinner it gets, i can't get all techincal about it because i truly don't know.

if the engine has been properly maintaned all its life, 5w30 would be optimal for fuel mileage, but since you say it uses a bit, i'd go with a minimum of 10w30 for summertime weather. you mentioned 10w50 ? i don't know where you live, but up here in OHIO there's no such thing.

if there was such a thing, that's just WAY to thick to run in any street engine... your fuel mileage would suffer and it would be difficult to start in cooler weather. and if you do have a consumption problem, the thicker oil can make it worse, at least that's what i've experienced.

i personally run 15w40 (heavy duty diesel oil, like rotella) in my worn out vehicles in the summertime. really cuts down on consumption and helps oil pressure BIG time.



i suspect she eiether has bad valve guide seals or oil control rings, both common wear areas.

advice ? sounds like the motor is slightly worn and hasn't been maintained. i'd change the oil yourself (if you can) and try 10w30 again and don't go too long on oil changes. 3000 is about the norm for most new cars/truck, anything beyond that is retarted. would try to get it changed every 2000 or so.

if the consumtion keeps up, you could try some over the counter products like the smoke away stuff,(its REALLY thick, like honey) it can help the problem but it won't stop it.

reply if ya need some more help

Theres some oil additive called engine restore in a silver can 3 sizes 4, 6, and 8 cylinder i really read up on these things and have had success ovr the yrs. This helps fill the voids in the engine to help oil loss and gain compression and its guaranteed