Passanger side exhaust, change to thicker oil?

[JasonTL]

I have dual exhaust(two separate pipes running from each side of the engine) and usually on start up and sometimes on acceleration at a light it will spew some grayish/whiteish exhaust, mostly from the passenger side. Sometimes it won't spew any abnormal exhaust, it'll do this randomly whether I leave it sitting for a few days or just the next morning. It doesn't spew much after it's been running for 10-15 minutes.

It's a 1988 GMC Burb. Spec is 10w30 but I put 5w30 in it when I did the last oil change. Today I got to thinking a thicker oil may reduce the oil burning, is that right?

I've tried some Liqui-moly MOS2 but it didn't really have any noticeable affect. I believe the actual problem is the Valve Seals(am I right in that thought?). I know the only remedy is to replace the bad parts, but I'm wondering if changing the oil thickness will affect anything.

Thanks.

 

[GSCJR]

Sounds fuel delivery related, not lubrication. Also, check your coolant level.

 

[gathermewool]

You never mentioned how much oil you're consuming.

 

[expat]

Sounds like a coolant (Head gasket?) leak to me.

 

[yonyon]

If valve stem seals are the problem then no, a thicker oil isn't necessarily going to help. The same amount of oil will leak past, but take longer to do so. If it takes three hours to leak down or four, that won't help much when the truck is parked for six hours.

On the other hand, tilting the truck may help. It won't slow down the leakage, but may reduce the volume. Try throwing some 2x6s down where you normally park overnight so one side of the truck sits a little higher. If that doesn't work, try putting the wood on the other side.

 

[another Todd]

Jason, thicker oil might reduce it a little but won't cure leaky valve stem seals, and what you describe could very well be that, especially the smoke upon start up after sitting overnight. You could also try high mileage oil, which has the ability to swell seals slightly to slow, stop, or prevent leaks. It takes a while to work so be patient. Put it in next time you change oil. The smoke when accelerating could also be rings. How many miles on it, and who much oil does it currently use?

 

[Joe_Power]

I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.

 

[JasonTL]

Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.

Your car is capable of using different oils on each side of the engine? Cool, didn't know any car had dual oil pans.
[/sarcasm]

@GSCJR, why do you say fuel?

The head gasket has been replaced and I believe it had the exhaust issue before that was replaced as well.

@yonyon, tilting...hmmm...that may explain the randomness. The terrain where I live is uneven and I occasionally park differently.

@Todd, I should be using HM oil, unfortunately this time I used generic AAP brand. 208k miles. I'm not sure exactly how much oil it is consuming.

 

[cmorr]

PCV valve ?

When the head gasket was replaced was the head resurfaced ?

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.


That's easy enough, just install a oil filler cap on each valve cover...

 

[another Todd]

Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.


That there is funny.

 

[gregoron]

Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.


Hmmm, 15w40 for the passenger side seems a little too thick for me. ;-)

 

[pscholte]

Originally Posted By: TFB1
Originally Posted By: Joe_Power
I would stay with the 5w30.......for the driver's side. For the passenger side, I would try a good conventional 15w40. But, that's just me.


That's easy enough, just install a oil filler cap on each valve cover...


You heard it here first.

 

[bigt61]

Valve guide seals are probably hardened up. I'd use 10W-40 MaxLife - that should help bring them back to life a little. And slow down the oil usage I'm guessing you have.