Also, I only use WIX filters these days. They're only a bit more expensive, but they're quite possibly the best from the limited research I've done. But, I carry cheapo Fram filters (or whatever is on sale) as spares for instances like this:
favorite oil for 3.5L
- Thread starter philjherman
- Start date
Even with my re-freshening of the engine with new valve seals, head gasket and overall inspection of the engine, I still burn a bit of oil. Probably the same rate. We just returned from a 3400 mile trip where I burned one whole quart of crappy Batozone oil within about 1000 miles and then another quart of rotella in 2400 miles. It's burning more oil than I'd like but I keep an eye on it.
rajin cajun
Adventurer
That looks like some really cold water..............sweet
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Scott, it could be your rings too. I wonder if a compression or leak down tests might help reveal if something is going on?
off-roader
Expedition Leader
For filters, I use whatever Speedy Oil and Tune Up puts in. I did do a oil analysis (once at 4k) and determined 5k changes are what's needed for my rig with normal use. Check out Blackstone Labs (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php) for a free test kit (so you can send them the sample). The analysis costs you $25.
Due to the level of oil burn (2-3 quarts between oil changes) I simply use Chevron 5w30 (sold by the case at costco). Valve guide seals are at the top of the list of repairs for this winter.
Due to the level of oil burn (2-3 quarts between oil changes) I simply use Chevron 5w30 (sold by the case at costco). Valve guide seals are at the top of the list of repairs for this winter.
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I've thought of that too and may get to that sometime in the near future.... When we had the heads off, there was no signs of oil blow by, so I'm hoping/assuming its not the rings... but there aren't many more options....
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meelaud
New member
i know my vehicle had the valves done ~45,000 miles ago. i do get the occasional white smoke when taking off, and i am seeing one small oil leak coming from the back of the engine - figure i'll take a closer look when i do my next oil change. i keep a quart of 5w30 in the truck just in case.
side note - my oil pressure is really low. whenever i topped off my oil about 500 miles ago - my oil pressure was around the half way mark for a few days. now it's between nill and 1/4. after my initial oil change, it was at the 3/4 mark for a few hundred miles.
I recently replaced the oil pressure switch in mine. Its located on the or near the flange of the oil filter. Replace it when you change the oil next.
Also, white smoke/steam is usually head gasket or fuel related, although the latter is usually light gray... If its bluish gray, that's oil. That'll be the valve seals... Or worse.
Also, white smoke/steam is usually head gasket or fuel related, although the latter is usually light gray... If its bluish gray, that's oil. That'll be the valve seals... Or worse.
Its the actual sensor for the oil pressure....... They're called oil pressure switches. But what I don't understand is the terminology. To me switch means off and on. Sensor, to me, means it senses a variation of some measurement. Our truck has an oil pressure gauge... So to me the unit should be called an oil pressure sensor. But, its called a switch.... ?
Switched to Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 on this last oil change; engine seems to really enjoy it, runs smoother and quieter than before. Used to use whichever name-brand synthetic 5w30 or 10w30 was cheapest at the time, often was Mobil 1. I used to burn about a quart every 1,000 miles, now it seems I've only gone through about a 1/4 of a quart in the 500 miles I put on since my last oil change, but I'll need more miles before I know what my true consumption is at.
Baldwin oil filters, they're about $7.00 a unit if you order and pick up at a Grainger shop. From the research I've done on oil filters, they're built and filter very well.
Baldwin oil filters, they're about $7.00 a unit if you order and pick up at a Grainger shop. From the research I've done on oil filters, they're built and filter very well.
meelaud
New member
good deal, ill take a closer look when i change the oil in the next few weeks - ill make the switch to a wix filter. i'll also take a look at the smoke color. happens maybe every 10th or 15th take off - just a single puff of smoke.