2G 420a oil change

[t_squared212]

I'm driving a 1997 Eagle Talon Esi. 420a. Non Turbo.
I've had some problems with leaking oil, its been about a quart every 800-1000 miles.
A shop said the leak could be the valve cover gasket. So I'm about to replace the gasket and do an oil change. Since I've had the car running (beginning of the summer) I've used 5w-30.
I did a bit of research and I've seen a lot of people are using 10w-30. What should I use? What are the advantages/disadvantages to either?
I live in the midwest and am trying to use this car as a spring-fall car to avoid salt on the roads as much as I can.

 

[EShield]

10W is a little thicker in viscosity at 0° F, both have 30 weight viscosity at operating temperature. I don't remember what the 420A calls for (5W or 10W) but for a daily driver with little to no mods, just use what the factory recommends.

 

[t_squared212]

factory calls for 5w

 

[EShield]

Then I would just use 5W-30 at this point, a spring through fall car isn't going to see many 0° days anyway.

 

[dsmcrzy]

When you go to replace the valve cover gasket there is a specific torque sequence.

https://2gnt.com/index.php?d=Replacing_valve_cover_and_spark_plug_gaskets

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Use 10w-30 high mileage, if that sounds good to you. That's what I always have run.

Also check the oil pressure sender for a leak, it's very common.

 

[Mello]

My personal preference is to stay away from high mileage oils until it is obvious time to switch from regular oil. High mileage oils have extra additives designed to swell seals & gaskets to minimize leaks. This will cause premature wear of good seals & you will not be able to benefit from high mileage oils later when the seals are worn. You will forever have oil leaks switching back to regular oil too.

 

[t_squared212]

Use 10w-30 high mileage, if that sounds good to you. That's what I always have run.

Also check the oil pressure sender for a leak, it's very common.

where is the oil pressure sender? I got under the car today and took a bunch of pictures but I can’t get a good view I’m confident with until I can get it on a lift or something.

 

[dsmcrzy]

It’s under the intake manifold by cylinder #4.