What would you recommend to slow down oil burning?

I have a friend with a 1997 Saturn, and although it runs very well and performs reliably, it burns oil like crazy. According to my research, it was manufactured with crappy piston rings and it's a common problem with this model. Aside from tearing down the engine and replacing the rings with better aftermarket rings, are there any tricks for stopping or at least reducing oil burning? Do any additives actually help, or is it all just snake oil? Would a thicker oil help, or just make things worse?What would you recommend to slow down oil burning?
The problem is STICKING piston rings, not WORN piston rings. You can usually free up the rings by removing the spark plugs %26amp; pouring 1/2 a can of SeaFoam in to each cylinder. Allow the SeaFoam a day or 2 to work, then crank the engine by hand with the spark plugs removed to expel any remaining liquid from the cylinders. Change your engine oil and filter, install new spark plugs %26amp; run the engine hard for a day or two. This will drastically reduce oil consumption on about 70% of the Saturn SOHC %26amp; DOHC 4cyl. engines.What would you recommend to slow down oil burning?
You already know the best answer as indicated in your question.





In the meantime, he/she might try using a heavier viscosity oil (straight 30W instead of 5w30, for instance).


As far as additives, I've never found any of them to be particularly effective - regardless of the promises printed on the labels.
Once the engine starts to go , i don't care what people say about additives and oils. it will not help. Get the motor rebuilt or replaced. That's the best thing that will work. Good Luck


P.S. Engine restore does not stop your car from burning oil or smoking. It just covers up scratches on the cylinder walls.
try putting a can of Engine Restore with every oil change.