So,my 94 camaro has a 3.4 v6 with a healthy 232,017 miles. I purchased it last month and just got around to changing the oil last week.

I used 5w-30 mobil 1...

The next morning as I fired her up (starts very easily,very healthy),and I noticed a puff of blue smoke,which is oil.

I realize this is from the valve guides,otherwise rings are good,exceptional compression.

I plan on purchasing a set of rebuilt heads,but until then,I'd like to try a thicker oil,what kind would you suggest? I found a receipt for 5qts of 20w-50 (hellathick),is this too thick?

I figured the reason why it hadn't been puffing on cold starts before is because of the thicker oil.

Should I return to a thicker oil (maybe 10w-40?) or continue the use of 5w-30?

I'm in floridas heat,stop and go traffic.

Thanks for any input,I love my camaro and wish to take the best possible care her.

 

With that many miles, I wouldn't just put a rebuilt set of heads on and leave it at that. Your valve guides and rings have worn evenly together. What will happen with new (tight sealing) heads, is your compression will be taking the path of least resistance to try and escape, and in your case that would be right past the worn rings. The result will be built up crankcase pressure, ring blow-by, messy venting, and an oil burning/smoking engine. Part of your puff of oil at startup is from worn/cracked/non-existant valve stem seals.
With your engine, I wouldn't use 5w/anything. Try the 10w40 with a can of oil treatment such as STP. Or put in 2 qts. of 20w50 with the rest being 10w40.

 

I agree with Camaro69, and engine that old will not like new heads and you will be parking a new shortblock under your new heads in a few months. In order to put in new seals you usually have to remove the heads and remove the valve springs.

I used to have a car that I would never change the oil on. I would change the filter every few months but not the oil. The car used about 1qt every 2 weeks, no leaks, and no visable smoke. When I first got the car I would change the oil every 3K and I would spend the next few weeks burning oil and going through about 1 Qt a week. Then the smoke would stop and the car would go back to the 1 every 2 weeks. What I found was happening is the detergents in the oil were cleaning the gunk that was actually sealing the valve guides. The engine had about 60K on it when I took it home and at about 70K I stopped changing the oil, I put almost 200K more on the meter and still no issues. At 150K I went to 20-50 to slow the consumption rate again. The car was a 1986 Cutlass Supreme with and Olds 307. I sold the car at 260K on the meter and the girl that bought it is still driving it with no problems with the engine. The tranny was a TH200 that was rebuilt at about 65K and the shop "modified" it for me so it would last. The tranny is still running strong today as well. TH200= garbage from GM... TH200 built by someone who knows what he is doing= good and relaible. OK nuff bout my Cutlass

Massey

 

^cool story bro.

I think I may just try thicker oil until I rebuild her all together. Thanks for your input

I want to keep her going as long as I can.