Will 'heavier viscosity' reduce oil use?
 

Have a new to me '92 Accord EX in superb condition, 5 sp, 201,000 when purchased. .https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...uestion-45305/

Question: so changed oil right away, 5W-30. Now 1700 miles later it is 3/4 qt low on oil, absolutely no drips. So it's 'burning/using' 1 qt oil every 2200 miles.
Will this oil use rate be reduced if I go to heavier oil at change. 10W-40 or 15W-40? My summer temps are hot; 95F highs are common, 103F happens.

Anybody w/ personal experience on oil consumption vs. oil viscosity grade - high mileage engine?
Or thoughts ... thanks.

At operating temperature, the viscosity is very similar. Consumption may be affected slightly. I won't hurt to try a heavier viscosity and investigate. 1 qt/ 2200 miles is certainly tolerable consumption.

Smoking during heavy acceleration is generally from ring bypass. Smoking that occurs at idle, after a long idle, or just on initial acceleration is likely from worn valve stem seals, which can be replaced w/o head removal.

good luck

Wouldn't hurt to check the pcv.

Check the PCV Valve and grommet in the valve cover. Another thing is to check the Distributor shaft seal. These are common.

I have used 10W-30 in my 92 Accord EX as well and I have noticed a considerable decrease in consumption with the heavier oil. It probably doesnt help in my case that I run full synthetic oil because I have always heard that this kind of oil "finds" leaks.

thanks for these.

will check the PCV valve.
I did notice that the air filter had oil type residue on it, which was surprising 'cuz everything else on the car was so clean / new looking.
Could this be an indicator related to PCV valve and oil use?

'Ben-2003,' would a bad grommet in valve cover result in leaking oil? no drips here.



not to stop others from offering their experience / suggestions ...

The other thing to consider is an oil leak vs burning oil. Try to clean up the engine block as much as possible and look for signs of an oil leak.

When you get a chance, take a look at the spark plugs to see if there are signs of oil burning. Does the car ever start smoking out of the exhaust?

^^^ no leaks / drips to the ground.
spark plugs - OK, will do
smoke? - not that I see from the drivers seat

You may not notice drops to the ground, because the leak may only occur when the car is moving and the engine is under load. Its simple to do and may help identify a possible oil leak.