How to stop oil loss w/o rebuild for 91

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Ok,

I have retorqued the lower intake and my coolant level is always the same-no loss there. Just changed the plugs, wires and just about everything else. I have 200K on the engine and am pretty sure it is worn rings. I made the switch to Amsoil a few months ago and all was good but now I am using about 1 quart every two to three weeks of 5-30 synthetic.

My question is this- is synthetic that much thinner that it is slipping past the rings and out the tailpipe? There is a noticeable black tip on my new exhaust so I know oil is getting by. The only time I see smoke is at start-up, not while driving. Would switching to Valvoline MaxLife slow it down considerably (5-30 or 10-30 for summer)? I've also heard of some stuff from Lucas.

I know I need to rebuild sometime soon I am just trying to save a few $$ for the summer if I can slow the oil burning down. Any suggestions?

Truck runs great with no pinging and no other problems that I know of.

 

[mrboyle]

Synthetic oils are known to dissapear in high mileage engines (so is dyno oil). The product from Lucas you refered to may help, but once an engine starts burning oil it will only continue to get worse. Your best bet is to start saving up and plan on a rebuild within the next year.

 

[JDraper]

To help temporarily, try switching to a 10w30 weight oil. That will help slow the consumption, but Mike is right about the rebuild down the line.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I figured as much. I have no problem with the rebuild but with all of the improvements I've made the last few months she has never run better and I don't want to change that!! I'm gonna try MaxLife anyway and just stave off the rebuild until I know I need it. Great truck and great interior. Thanks for the responses.

 

[highball]

hey there is this stuff called engine gunk or gunk for short we have it around here i imagine you got it there it worked for me. or you could run 20w50 or straight sae 30 it does about the same thing. and about the rebuild you can do it your self go get the haynes mantanace hand book. with it and a little bit of mec. know how you should be able to do it and save alot of cash.