Oil for older saturns
 

OK - I've seen a few post talking about the 1.9L consuming oil - and that the recommended oil weight (10w-30) might not be the best. What do you guys recommend for a 125K 01 Saturn SC2? I was thinking about trying 10w-40 to see if it slows down a little. No leaks (knock on wood) at this time. Assume it must be burning thru the rings?

It all depends on where you live and the temperature changes. If you live somewhere that the temp runs from freezing into the 90's, then 10W-40 is just fine. I live in FL now (dammit) and run 10W-40 in my turbo PT Cruiser. No issues. Now if you live somewhere that it gets cold in the winter, you may want to switch it back to 10W-30 for the winter months.

if getting near 0 degrees F or below I would go with 5W30 in the winter. Personally I use 10W 30 rest of year (Pittsburgh). Unc runs 20W50 (Arizona?). See the attached 2 charts for the temp ranges considered safe for each grade of oil.

You'll see that Unc wants the most lubrication when it's 95+ degrees out most of the time, and the chart says 20W50, so that's what he runs. (paraphrasing Unc, not trying to speak for him.

The choice depends on what temps the vehicle usually encounters and and the temp ratings for the different grades of oil in terms of retaining their ability to properly lubricate at both ends of the temp scale.

And of course on personal preference.

A heavier weight oil should burn less but may cost more.

As far as contributions to burning, compression rings wear, the oil control rings seize in their channels, allowing oil into the combustion chambers. Additionally, worn valve guide seals allow oil to leak into the cyls from the top.

How many quarts of what weight oil do you burn per 1K miles?

Thanks Derf (Pittsburgh) - should be very similar where you are to where we are (Cincinnati). I accidentally did 5W-20 last time - and we'll see how long it lasts. It's my daughter's car - so I'm trying to teach her to check on a more regular basis. Have 10W-40 ready to go. Maybe will go back to 10w-30 again for next one.

In my opinion, get that 5w20 out of there now or you will likely accelerate the oil consumption. Plus if she's inexperienced at car maintenance she may not check it in time.

Just my opinion.