I am running 5w-30 currently. I still have some cold mornings 10-20 degrees or so. But I am burning a bit of oil. If I run thicker oil, 20w-50, will it burn less since it is thicker.

The short answer is yes. The long answer is depends. Is the oil problem leaky valve seals, or worn rings?

I never had an oil problem.  It seeps a little at the valve cover...but I can fix that.

I just had a jug of 20W-50, and needed some info about it...and was wondering if I could/should use it.

I returned it at Wal-mart, and got 10W-40 + lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer.  I changed it this afternoon.....then immediately went wheeling.  =)

I sank the tracker pretty good....*glug glug*.  The belts are howling a little...but it runs like a champ.   I gotta get a snorkel though!!

Thanks for all the info guys!  I appreciate it greatly!

I've run the Lucas Oil Stabilizer in both my Harley and my Zuk at every oil change. The Harley Gets 20/50 synthetic Moblie 1 for air cooled v twins. The Zuk always gets 10/40 Moblie 1 and Lucas too. Both engines look new inside, always turn over fine,  and both get run pretty hard. That Lucas stuff is pretty good, and really does stick to the parts. Just try disassembling a motor after you've used it!

You guys are missing a major point about oil, they are all meant to run at a certain temperature, and once they reach that temperature their viscosity changes A LOT from what it is when you poor it in the engine generally to all about the same, as does its flowing characteristics, if anyone took the time to read that article you would see what i'm saying.  Also, when metal heats it expands, if your get blow by, its more prevalent when the engine would be cold, like people with bad rings, once the engine warms up fully (and actual operating temperature not when the needle says the engine is warm) you'll get less blow by.

Thread on Yotatech.com very good discussion
http://www.yotatech.com/f116/oils-10w40-10w30-159736/

original article, its easier to read because of format.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=haas_articles