40wt for '96 2.2 VTEC Accord

[302Xplorer]

My sister's car is a 96 Accord w/ 170,000+ miles on the clock. I change the oil for her every 5k and it uses between 1-1.5 qts during that interval using Maxlife Semi 10w30. Every time I see her I check the oil but am afraid that if I don't see her for a long enough time there might be some oil starvation issue.

Will running a xw-40 weight help w/ the consumption issue and can the 4 banger handle it? Fixing the issue is not an option, seeing as how she looks to get rid of the car in a few months.

Thanks for any advice in advance,
Ted

 

[CharBaby]

302X,
40 weight might help but, it's hard to say really! Just make sure that your sister realizes that she has some oil consumption. 1 qt - 1.5 qts per 5000 miles isn't too bad. And as you mentioned, the vehicle is leaving her soon.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

Have you considered giving her a quart of oil and showing her how to check it herself?

1-1.5 qts during 5000 miles is not bad at all. Many people don't add until they get to the add mark on the dipstick which is usually a quart low. Running at the low mark isn't ideal but won't destroy anything (or they would put the add mark higher!)

Show her how and make her promise to check it every 1000 miles. It's part of the responsibility of owning a car. My