Hello all. I am going to rebuild my 2.8 in a couple months. It is leaking oil pretty bad that's why. My question is what viscosity oil can I use in the mean time so the engine won't sling it out as bad until I rebuild it.I am currently using penzoil 10w-30. I know 20-50 would be better is there an oil that someone would recommend that is better than 20-50.
Thanks again

Mobil 1, anything Mobil 1 is better than anything non mobil 1, end of discussion...
Or if you think your engine can handle synthetic (it doesn't leak) go Castrol Syntech!

Since you plan a rebuild anyway. go with a straight weight oil. I believe you can get 30, 40 and 50 wt. yet. The straight weight won't thin out with temp. changes and should leak less.

VA44, the easiest, quickest, and best short-term fix is to add Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer to your current 10W30. That should work although it may take two bottles. If it doesn't, you can always go to a straight weight oil like johnt671 suggested. Columbia's winters are relatively mild so the thicker oil won't be a problem unless the temperature drops below freezing--if that's the case add some Marvel Mystery Oil to thin the straight weight. I've used both products, and both work.

[This message has been edited by ct (edited 11-08-2002).]

quote Originally posted by ct: VA44, the easiest, quickest, and best short-term fix is to add Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer to your current 10W30. That should work although it may take two bottles. If it doesn't, you can always go to a straight weight oil like johnt671 suggested. Columbia's winters are relatively mild so the thicker oil won't be a problem unless the temperature drops below freezing--if that's the case add some Marvel Mystery Oil to thin the straight weight. I've used both products, and both work. [This message has been edited by ct (edited 11-08-2002).]

I love the lucas oil stabilizer idea.....not so crazy about thinning it with MMO though.

Phil

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GTDude
OVER 25 years GM experience

Where is your oil leak?
Distrubtor 'O' ring maybe? (quick fix)
Have you checked the valve covers and oil pan bolts to make sure they're tight lately?

I agree with Indiana_resto_guy, if the leak is something minor like he suggests and nothing else is wrong with the engine, it should not require a rebuild. From VA44's post, I got the impression it was not a minor problem and he was going to do the rebuild regardless.

Now to the issue concerning Marvel Mystery Oil. I never suggested mixing MMO with the Lucas product--I would not recommend that at all, and I have never mixed the two.

If using the Lucas with 10W30 does not work, then a straight weight oil might slow the leak. I would be hesitant to add Lucas to a straight weight because the Lucas is itself rather thick. In other words, if VA44 changes the oil to 30 (or greater) weight, the Lucas will also be drained.

As for the MMO, I seriously doubt the wisdom of running straight weight oil in below freezing temps without thining it first with MMO. That's just my opinion. Of course running that thick of an oil in the first place is simply a temporary fix anyway.

[This message has been edited by ct (edited 11-09-2002).]