Pennzoil Platinum 5W30 appears to be removing oil varnish from inside my Gen 2 cylinder head cover

Over the decades with various cars I've found it typical for oil level to drop about 1/2 liter between changes, not unusual or particularly worrisome. That's with odometers not too high, reading anywhere up to 150000 km's. Our current Prius is actually bucking the trend so far, doesn't seem to consume any, pretty low km's still.

(Editted 15000 to be 150000)

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

I had an 04 before this one and had the same oil consumption issue.

 

The baffle plate is attached to, and located under the engine valve cover. If you remove the engine oil cap you will see a little bit of the baffle plate through the hole.

The purpose of the plate is to keep engine oil from flinging wildly out of the oil cap hole if the engine is running while the oil cap is removed. It also protects the camshaft from items (like a metal funnel) that are inserted into the oil cap hole.

 

...not seeing much oil loss at almost 150k miles...but if I was seeing a loss I'd be trying some different formulations. Mobil-1 for me until I start seeing an issue.

 

It's a very old trick; using non-detergent oils in worn-out engines to keep a buildup of gunk in the engine to slow oil consumption. It definitely works for the purpose intended.

 

Yeah it is a very old trick - I read it was only recommended for engines made pre-1964 with high oil consumption. I would NEVER use it in any automotive combustion engine manufactured in the last 50 years. I have used it in my air compressor because it calls for it. Thats the only modern day use I can see for non-detergent oil...

Product Description: NON-DETERGENT MOTOR OIL is manufactured from selected high viscosity index paraffin base oils which contain effective oxidation, corrosion, mild antiwear, and foam inhibitors.

Features:
High viscosity index.
Mild antiwear protection.
Economical

Typical Uses:
Meets or exceeds API Service Classification SB/CA
Recommended for pre 1964 cars or vehicles with high oil consumption.
Used in gear cases, manual transmission, and hydraulic systems where non-detergent oil is recommended.
Used as a “deep well” pump lubricant.
Also commonly used as chain and general machine shop lubricant.

NON-DETERGENT MOTOR OIL | Welcome to Lubricating Specialties Company

Another good read on non-detergent oil:
http://www.ilma.org/resources/impact_lowqualityoils.pdf