[Scottstang69]

I have a 6 cylinder that had a new engine put in 10 years ago and was barely driven afterward until recently. Last summer I had the oil and filter changed. The oil is so low that it barely register on the dipstick. Question 1 is: I've barely driven it since last summer - should the oil be that low? Question 2: What weight oil should I use? I don't know which weight oil was used by the oil change place.

[derklug]

I would use 10w 30, or 10w 40. Petroleum or synthetic. The age of your car means it is going to burn oil, especially if you rarely drive it. Drive it for a month after your oil change, and then see what is going on.

[Scottstang69]

Thanks for the response. I drive it a few times a week but I don't drive very far. Does it burn more oil the less it's driven? Also, I thought with the newer engine it wouldn't burn oil quickly.

[Jay H 237]

Since the car has been barely driven since the rebuild the rings may not have even seated yet.

[Scottstang69]

How many miles would have to be driven for the rings to set?

[66GT305PS]

Originally the oil was SAE 30 wt, which is good to use to set the rings the first 500 miles. Then drain and check for any problems. Afterwards, a synthetic 10-30 wt is good, especially from lack of driving.