Toyota Repair: 20W50 Oil, oil, burn

Question
Hi Vince,

My 2002 Camry has 190k miles. It is burning oil even with 10W40 that causes check engine light on P0420. Just put 20W50 oil for smog test. It seems 20W50 works well. I am wondering if I can stick with 20W50 at lease during summer time? I am in NY area.

Thanks,

Yan

Answer
You can stick with the heavier weight oil during the summer but you need to determie how much oil you are burning.  This will foul your plugs, plug your catalytic converter, maybe even cause mass hysteria with the Green police.
If the burn is minimal, you can hold off on any major repairs; just make sure you return to a lighter oil by fall.

Hope this helps.

Vince