oil decision: 20w50 or high mileage or...?

[paulb]

Allright I've got a decision to make. I'm changing the motor oil on my new ride for the first time this weekend. Should I use Castrol 20W-50 OR a high mileage equivalent (something like Valvoline MaxLife) or something else that I am not aware of? Issues to consider: its an original 5MGE with 210 G miles on it. It runs very well BUT, is leaking oil in at least two places: out the drain plug and out the valve cover gasket (I think) and/or the cam tower seals. I can occasionally smell oil burning on the manifold while I drive. The drain plug thing I'm hoping to fix as I change the oil. Currently I'm losing about 2 to 2.5 ozs a night into the oil pan under the Supra. I'm trying to slow down or stop any/all leaks. Any suggestions are sincerely appreciated.

[Phoenix]

Allright I've got a decision to make. I'm changing the motor oil on my new ride for the first time this weekend. Should I use Castrol 20W-50 OR a high mileage equivalent (something like Valvoline MaxLife) or something else that I am not aware of? Issues to consider: its an original 5MGE with 210 G miles on it. It runs very well BUT, is leaking oil in at least two places: out the drain plug and out the valve stem gaskets (I think) and/or the cam tower seals. I can occasionally smell oil burning on the manifold while I drive. The drain plug thing I'm hoping to fix as I change the oil. Currently I'm losing about 2 to 2.5 ozs a night into the oil pan under the Supra. I'm trying to slow down or stop any/all leaks. Any suggestions are sincerely appreciated.

I ran valvoline max life 20w50 when my engine was leaky. It slowed down the leaking a lot. But now that I've fixed the leaks I've switched to a lighter oil. The engine performs better with the lighter oil. But I'd recommend the 20w50 max life until you fix the leaks.

That stuff is real thick. Don't go adding in treatments on top of it or you'll end up with oil like molasses, :eek:

[CELICA XX]

Hopefully, a new drain plug and gasket will fix your first problem. Unless the threads on the oil pan are destroyed.

I would replace those gaskets soon. If you are loosing 2 ounces a night on your driveway, there is probably more oil dripping down the side of your engine. (Plus, its getting the engine compartment dirty)

Most of the oil companies explain that their product cannot be used as a substitute for engine repair. I am not sure that 20W-50 will solve a large oil leak, but I have never dealt with oil leaks on the Supra.

[Phoenix]

Hopefully, a new drain plug and gasket will fix your first problem. Unless the threads on the oil pan are destroyed.

I would replace those gaskets soon. If you are loosing 2 ounces a night on your driveway, there is probably more oil dripping down the side of your engine. (Plus, its getting the engine compartment dirty)

Most of the oil companies explain that their product cannot be used as a substitute for engine repair. I am not sure that 20W-50 will solve a large oil leak, but I have never dealt with oil leaks on the Supra.

20w50 will NOT solve your oil leak. But it will make it easier to live with untill you are ready to tackle the cause.

[paulb]

There is, indeed, oil dripping down the side of the engine. I am collecting, however, the stuff oozing out of the plug. So its not on my driveway or on the garage floor. The wife won't tolerate any of that. She barely tolerates the car. :D I think I will try the max life 20W-50 until I can replace the valve cover gasket (and anything else that leaks). Much thanks for all advice.

[Phoenix]

There is, indeed, oil dripping down the side of the engine. I am collecting, however, the stuff oozing out of the plug. So its not on my driveway or on the garage floor. The wife won't tolerate any of that. She barely tolerates the car. :D I think I will try the max life 20W-50 until I can replace the valve cover gasket (and anything else that leaks). Much thanks for all advice.

Pick em off in order of easyness. Sort of builds your confidence. 8)

[Marblehead]

A thin film of RTV between the drain plug gasket and the pan should stop that oil leak until you can fix it properly. The RTV will not adhere to pan due to the skin of oil so it will fall off/scrape off easily with each oil change. To save your driveway....and your marriage :lol: ....in the mean time take a look at this topic I just posted:

http://www.celicasupra.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=110097#110097

The oil drain plug on my '86 MKII leaks too, no matter how tight I get it or with a new gasket. The plug wobbles a little in the hole before it seats to the pan so I'm hoping it's just a bad plug and not wonky threads on the pan.

Lucille has messed my mind up.
Scott