Oil viscosity and usage

[Runaround]

I have an ‘07 Ram with the 6.7 hemi and approximately 208,000 miles on it. I’ve been using the pennzoil ultra platinum 5w-20 oil since I bought the truck with approximately 150k on it.
It is starting to use about a quart to a quart and a half between the oil changes. I’m thinking about going to a thicker viscosity such as 5w-30.
What is your thoughts on this and should I start using the high mileage instead of the PUP. I use it because of the additives I was told it has gives the hemi the extra protection it needs.
Again what is y’all’s thoughts?

 

[Runaround]

BTW I live in SE Texas so cold weather isn’t a problem here as we seldom get anything below freezing.
That first sentence in my original post should read 5.7 not 6.7 of course.

 

[usaf2006]

I've heard of some folks running 10w30 over 5w20, but be wary of the mds acting up and causing problems (from what I vaguely remember).

 

[NOV87]

I and number of others on this forum, have been running 5w30 for the last 70k with no issues. MDS still works as intended and the engine is so much quieter. BTW, that's impressive mileage on your truck.

 

[Runaround]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I will stick with the 5w-20 as I don’t want any trouble.

 

[WarrenOut]

Amsoil Signature Series, but make sure to put the dual remote bypass filter on it if you plan on keeping the truck. Clean oil is key.

 

[Runaround]

What is the number for this filter.
I used the better made Fram filter with the synthetic media now but might switch over.

 

[huntergreen]

I’d try 5-30 redline, it’s a bit of thicker 5-30. See the oil thread for full explanation.

 

[Snoopy]

That oil is going somewhere if its not smoking bad. I would be finding out where.

 

[Martins hemi]

I used castrol full synthetic 5 w30
for the first 300,000 miles when it stared using oil I switched to 5w30 full synthetic high mileage 70000 miles since and it uses about 1/3 quart between oil changes
03 hemi

 

[kaptainkindbud]

I've been using 5w-30 on my 2005 1500 Hemi since about 210k miles. It now has 260k miles and I've had zero issues

 

[aRBee4863]

That oil is going somewhere if its not smoking bad. I would be finding out where.

Piston rings, valve seals. Investigating where the oil is going (if it isn't ending up on the driveway) will probably cause more problems than it solves. I'm at 167k and I put 7 quarts in, get ~5 quarts out every 5,000 miles. Makes it easy to take the jug back to the auto parts store! Like what's been said, I wouldn't go any heavier viscosity, just keep an eye on the dipstick to see if the trend changes

 

[Burla]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I will stick with the 5w-20 as I don’t want any trouble.

Thee is no scenario where staying with thin oil in this situation is a good idea. Your tolerances have widened, thus making it necessary for the use of a thicker oil. There are tests most oils have noack and hths that test an oils ability to survive heat if you want to know more, but just move to a 30 weight high mileage oil or even 0w40. Make sue pcv is good, and whether the oil is being used past rings or pcv is clogged, the thicker oil will be good. About 1/2 of us use 30 weight + in the polls w/o issue.

 

[CorDog009]

5w30 of whatever is generally the cheapest. 175k miles and I get close to 6 quarts out when I change it, which is usually once a year or so.