Help. I need a oil additive in a worn out V8 gasser

[red1ton]

My 1988 Buick's oil light is coming on when I come to an idle. The light is getting brighter as time passes. Is there an oil additive that will help with low oil pressure? Is there something on the shelf of most auto supply stores that I could use?
I expect to get rid of the car within six months but I would like to keep it going until then.

Thanks for your help!

 

[pcorssmit]

The last time I changed the oil on my old 6. 2L, I put in a full quart of 80W-90, then filled it up with 20W-50. Helped slow down the oil consumption.

Pete

------------------
'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[illflem]

The trick when I was younger was to use staight 40 wt non detergent oil. Not sure how good that is for a newer engine. I still use the old mix a tube of grease with 90wt trick to stop gear box leaks though.

 

[Sled Puller]

Good ol' STP is plenty thick for old clunkers. Also Lucas bases their entire product line on thickeners. It may help a little also.
Gene

 

[danandamy]

Gene's on the right track. Lucas makes an "oil stabilizer" that you can add. Morey's makes the same kinda stuff. Add a quart of this and it'll fix you right up. Be warned, it pours like molasses, though.

 

[Power Wagon]

Power Punch, man!!! Power Punch is good stuff. Low friction, thickens the oil when hot, and keeps the bearings lubed after it sits.

I'm not sure about modern engines, but it used to be that Buick's engines didn't need high oil pressure to live. Kinda like my old Mopars, 5 psi at idle and 25-30 was more than enough, even if you raced it. As I said, though, I don't know about thier modern engines. Probably took after the other GM engines and has a delicate lower end.

 

[red1ton]

Thanks for the replys. I forgot about STP. Never had to use it. I bought a quart today and I'll try it.

#ad




------------------
2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

 

[boatpuller]

Hilton Hyperlube, just don't try to pour it in the winter, got to be at least room temperature, used it in quite a few beaters myself, always worked good.
Caleb Reese

 

[Guest00]

When the idiot lite comes on do the lifters start clattering due to low oil pressure or could it be just a bad sending unit?????

Had an 50 Studebaker convertable, top and all associated parts were AWOL, Blue Flame 6 cy that ran a year with a rod knock on straight 90wt

 

[Bill Lins]

A buddy of mine used to call what you're looking for "Mechanic in a Can". Sorry, never found any.

------------------
Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

[red1ton]

I tried a can of STP but I only see slight improvement.

The engine sounds fine. It is the oil/choke light that comes on when it is at idle. Over the last six months, the light went from blinking to steady ON at ilde. I assume, the oil pressure is getting low. I guess it could be the sending unit or the oil pump. The engine only has 93,000 miles. That is usually low for a Buick.

Since is does not have a Cummins Turbo Diesel, it will not go to the shop for repair. I was hoping to keep it running as an emergency back up for my son's cars. They are older.

Thanks again for all of the tips and help.
#ad
#ad
#ad


------------------
2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.