S2000Shifter

My exhaust pipes are always turning black after an average of four moderate trips. Engine seems to be using oil; about two quarts in 6,000 miles. And no, I don't VTEC often nor do I run it hard when its still cold. I was using Mobil 1 Syn 10w-30 before and it was turning just as black and equally freqent as it is now with Mobil 1 Syn 15w-50. I figured that if the oil was leaking through the seals, a thicker oil could be used to reduce the leakage. Regardless of engine oil weight, is there anyone else who is experiencing the same problems as I am? (i.e. exhaust pipes getting black and/or engine using oil)

CoralDoc

The carbon deposits on the inside of your tailpipe are from fuel combustion and does not indicate the burning of oil. Please switch back to the correct viscosity oil and just wipe out the tailpipes every once in a while.

Oil consumption is normal for this vehicle and using 1 quart every 3,000 miles is considered to be normal usage - even low for some people.

The S2000 runs a little rich and some people have found that tuning with aftermarket fuel control devices can yield power, but I haven't heard about whether that results in cleaner pipes.

RACER

CoralDoc is correct about carbon deposits being caused by fuel combustion. I would think that if your engine was tuned leaner, the pipes would not get so black. Switching to 15w-50 may or may not reduce oil consumption, but it is not the correct viscosity for this car. The S will run more efficient with a lighter viscosity as well as have more protection at startup.

Running a heavier oil will increase the tolerances of your engine before a lighter oil will. The only time you should switch to a heavy oil is if you have over 100k miles on your engine and it is going through a lot of oil. A 20w-50 NON synthetic is the right oil for a loose engine.

The key is to use a light oil for as long as you can until the engine starts to wear out, then use the non syn 20w-50 oil. You may get an extra pony or two with a light oil.

Back in the old days before multi-weights, straight 30 weight is what people used. Keep in mind, engine tolerances were greater back in the day. Todays engines have smaller tolerances which means they are tighter. This is why the Manufacturer recommends 10w-30 motor oil. Peeps who live in sub 30 degree climates should use a 5w-30 motor oil. Oil has less flow ability the colder it gets, which is the reason for the 5w-30 motor oil.