300k Civic DX Oil Recomendations

[Brizors]

Hey guys I circulated some forums but no one seemed to definitively know; I've seen plenty of theory, but I have questions I'd really like to get to the bottom of. The 2 main questions here I have are which oil should I use for such a high mileage car for my engine and manual transmission, info below.

I have a 300k Civic DX and this will be the first oil change in my ownership, the previous owner said he used conventional oil. I live in Southern CA and in summer it can reach mid 90's and as low as 45 in winter in the early am, both numbers in Fahrenheit. The car has a minor oil leak but I didn't notice a change on the dipstick reading after 4+ months, so it's not bad. The engine has a very slight knock when it's below 70F at cold start for a few minutes. Vanishes once warm.

The manual recommends 10w30, but due to the minor leak I was wondering if I should go 10w40 and if I should use "high mileage" due to reading how high mileage oil swells the engine seals and can stop leaks.

The transmission is manual and also has 300k on it. The manual recommends 10w30 or 10w40 as long as it's API grade SF or SG engine oil. Wondering which I should go with? The previous owner used 10w40.

I'm not really looking to fix the knock or leak, with 300k I'm really just looking to ride out it's lifespan as long as I can, I am very easy on the car and it's running great.

 

[randomhero439]

In southern cali, i would use 10w-30. Pennzoil High Mileage or Valvoline Maxlife.

For the transmission, just get 2qts of Honda MTF. They are like $6/qt at Honda

 

[Brizors]

Originally Posted By: randomhero439
In southern cali, i would use 10w-30. Pennzoil High Mileage or Valvoline Maxlife.

For the transmission, just get 2qts of Honda MTF. They are like $6/qt at Honda


Thank you!

Also I wanted to talk about Honda MTF. In other forums I've read that this was meant for 96+ cars and that the ISB(whatever that is) needs the recommended oil that I mentioned above. Is there any truth to this? My DX is a 95.

 

[CATERHAM]

Welcome to BITOG!

You haven't said what model year your Civic is but if the antiquated 10W-30 grade is recommended it's must be old.

Anyway the car is on it's last legs so run any cheap 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil. A heavier oil won't help the knock when the engine is cold.
Since you're not concerned about the small engine leak I wouldn't bother with a more expensive HM oil unless it's dirt cheap.

For the manual gearbox, leave whatever's in there, an oil change isn't going to lengthen it's life at this stage of the game unless you've already beating the syncro's.

 

[Mr Nice]

Defy of Maxlife oil. Honda MTF for the transmission.

 

[Brizors]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Welcome to BITOG!

You haven't said what model year your Civic is but if the antiquated 10W-30 grade is recommended it's must be old.

Anyway the car is on it's last legs so run any cheap 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil. A heavier oil won't help the knock when the engine is cold.
Since you're not concerned about the small engine leak I wouldn't bother with a more expensive HM oil unless it's dirt cheap.

For the manual gearbox, leave whatever's in there, an oil change isn't going to lengthen it's life at this stage of the game unless you've already beating the syncro's.


Thank you! Sorry it's a 95 Civic DX.

If it is true that HM oil has additives that do in fact swell seals like I've been reading, I think maybe I do want to try it to possibly stop the small leaks.

Interesting, leave the tranny oil in there huh? The good news is the previous owner has had meticulous maintenance done on the car at every interval by the dealer and the transmission is in good shape and has no issues. You still recommend not changing it?

 

[CATERHAM]

Yes the current Honda MTF is a lighter 20wt equivalent oil vs the 30wt of previous years.

 

[spackard]

People like Valvoline Maxlife.
I'm trying a half-bottle of AT-205, which also gets good reviews.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Brizors
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Welcome to BITOG!

You haven't said what model year your Civic is but if the antiquated 10W-30 grade is recommended it's must be old.

Anyway the car is on it's last legs so run any cheap 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil. A heavier oil won't help the knock when the engine is cold.
Since you're not concerned about the small engine leak I wouldn't bother with a more expensive HM oil unless it's dirt cheap.

For the manual gearbox, leave whatever's in there, an oil change isn't going to lengthen it's life at this stage of the game unless you've already beating the syncro's.


Thank you! Sorry it's a 95 Civic DX.

If it is true that HM oil has additives that do in fact swell seals like I've been reading, I think maybe I do want to try it to possibly stop the small leaks.

Interesting, leave the tranny oil in there huh? The good news is the previous owner has had meticulous maintenance done on the car at every interval by the dealer and the transmission is in good shape and has no issues. You still recommend not changing it?


Seal swelling additives can help with a seal that may be dried up a bit, but will not solve any problems if the seal is damaged or the shaft is damaged. For gaskets, you should just replace the gasket.

 

[ram_man]

I would run 10w30 in both maxlife. My honda loves valvoline.
Also the knock could be a little piston slap =normal or valvetrain from needing adjustment=normal.
Its funny people kinda bash on honda around here but 300, 000 is a good accomplishment keep up the good work.

And post some pics of your honda PLEASE!!!

 

[CATERHAM]

If there are no issues with the syncro's I'd leave what's in there since you know it has been changed relatively recently.
If you really want to change it, a 75W-80 GL-4 gear lube should do the trick; it's a 30wt equivalent oil.

 

[Brizors]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
If there are no issues with the syncro's I'd leave what's in there since you know it has been changed relatively recently.
If you really want to change it, a 75W-80 GL-4 gear lube should do the trick; it's a 30wt equivalent oil.


The Previous owner gave me an excel sheet he recorded maintenance on. The last transmission oil change was on 01/14/11 which was exactly 53k miles ago and he used 10w40 oil, that's all I know though.

 

[Brizors]

Originally Posted By: ram_man
I would run 10w30 in both maxlife. My honda loves valvoline.
Also the knock could be a little piston slap =normal or valvetrain from needing adjustment=normal.
Its funny people kinda bash on honda around here but 300, 000 is a good accomplishment keep up the good work.

And post some pics of your honda PLEASE!!!


Thanks, I'd post pics but the reason I have it is because it was a family friends car and she got in a frontal collision and so her dad gave it to me as a gift since I needed a car. So it is not pretty by any means, faded paint, dents, rust, crumpled hood I banged with a dead blow hammer back into shape so it latches, shattered front headlight that still works, slightly pushed in front and a bumper that is mangled but still held on by a good 4 bolts that didn't shear through the plastic holes. It's in great operating condition although with decent interior. it's comfortable, A/C still works great, everything functions darn well. It's just not pleasing to look at. [censored] after all that I might as well post pics X.X

 

[901Memphis]

10w30 maxlife + Honda MTF

 

[Cup of Joe]

IMO I would keep doing what has gotten the car this far, 10w-40 for the trans (any brand) and a high mileage oil for the engine in 10w-30. I would go with Defy or Maxlife personally. The high mileage oil my help the leak and it definately won't hurt anything. Since the only cost to you is the up keep and repairs if you do any, just keep it running.

 

[LckydevL]

Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
IMO I would keep doing what has gotten the car this far, 10w-40 for the trans (any brand) and a high mileage oil for the engine in 10w-30.



Its hard to argue with what has already worked for that vehicle. 300k is winning, do not mess with success.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Brizors
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I would run 10w30 in both maxlife. My honda loves valvoline.
Also the knock could be a little piston slap =normal or valvetrain from needing adjustment=normal.
Its funny people kinda bash on honda around here but 300, 000 is a good accomplishment keep up the good work.

And post some pics of your honda PLEASE!!!


Thanks, I'd post pics but the reason I have it is because it was a family friends car and she got in a frontal collision and so her dad gave it to me as a gift since I needed a car. So it is not pretty by any means, faded paint, dents, rust, crumpled hood I banged with a dead blow hammer back into shape so it latches, shattered front headlight that still works, slightly pushed in front and a bumper that is mangled but still held on by a good 4 bolts that didn't shear through the plastic holes. It's in great operating condition although with decent interior. it's comfortable, A/C still works great, everything functions darn well. It's just not pleasing to look at. [censored] after all that I might as well post pics X.X


If you said it was your "beater" we would all know what it looks like without seeing any pictures.

 

[steve20]

Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
IMO I would keep doing what has gotten the car this far, 10w-40 for the trans (any brand) and a high mileage oil for the engine in 10w-30. I would go with Defy or Maxlife personally. The high mileage oil my help the leak and it definately won't hurt anything. Since the only cost to you is the up keep and repairs if you do any, just keep it running.


This guy has the answers!!!!! no Honda MTF---use the 10-40 motor oil

 

[Brizors]

Thanks guys most said Maxlife 10w30 so I went with that in engine and tranny. I also put in some new NGK spark plugs. The car feels like it's running a bit stronger and shifts a bit smoother.