I’m getting smogged in the next month, but I assume I should get an oil change before the test (and I’m due for one within the next 3 weeks anyhow).
I currently run 10w30 shop oil (usually Pennzoil). However, I’m pretty sure I’m burning oil due to blowby on the piston rings (between shifts at high RPM, and running the engine semi-hard, I see black smoke and have been told the same by friends’ following me).
Anyhow, what type of oil should I run to help prevent oil from blowing by the piston rings during my smog test? Keep in mind I need a winter oil soon as well… so 5w would likely be needed (Ottawa, ON, Canada).
I’ve tried those “magic seal conditioners”, as it was given to me free, but seeing as my engine has 290,000 km on it, they didn’t help much. I know there’s no oil leaking in the engine… it’s clean as a whistle.
I burn about a liter per month, give or take, depending on driving conditions and stuff.
Anyhow, let me know what kind of oil I should get and anything else relevant to my situation. I’m pretty sure I won’t pass smog test JUST for this reason, as my tailpipe is coated in black soot from the burning of oil.
To my knowledge, black smoke is an indication of running rich. Blue smoke is the best indication of burning oil. Also, Ontario Smog testing is always under idle, no load conditions…unless they have changed recently. Any oil WILL NOT help you unless engine components are running tip-top. This means your O2 sensor, CAT, spark plugs & wires, distrib. & rotor, fuel filter, Evap. Canister, Air filter, Coolant system, PCV valve, and NO Intake leaks. Your idle - literally - should not move…that means a consistent 750RPM during the test.
If you still think that an oil will help, then stick with a good synthetic 10W30 like Mobil SuperSyn. Use it up to -20C. A good 5W20 oil MAY help, but I do not recommend it passed idle :roll: …especially the way you drive. So, drain it right after the smog test.
I am pretty certain Intario uses idle and 50 km/h ratings for their tests… not certain though.
I normally do NOT shift higher than 3800rpm… occasionally I pass and downshift, bringing the rpj’s to around 5500 at most.
I’m not sure on the color of the smoke… it looked black(ish) when I looked through my rearview, but it was thinned out and behind me… so I can’t tell.
Any ways to check?
I have new plugs and wires, clean air filter, 1-year old PCV valve. Cat is over 3+ years old at minimum… distro and rotor I hav eno idea.
My idle is good and strong, sticks at 750 rpm no problem once the car is warm.
Have someone ride behind you, or you ride behind your car and have the person gun it. See, if you’re burning oil at 50km/h (what gear do they test, btw?). If not, then I wouldn’t worry about it. How is your O2 sensor? That and the CAT are the main players in passing the smog test.
