Another oil recommendation: 97 Prelude, 120k mi

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RomPirate

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Hey guys!
I am looking for oil suggestions for a 97 Honda Prelude creeping up on 120,000 miles.

Since I got the car at 82,000 miles, I have gotten the oil changed at a reputable shop by my school who also changed the timing belt at about 85,000 miles. He has been using Castrol GTX 5w30 with a Honda filter. When he hasn't changed the oil, I have taken advantage of coupons from the Honda dealership which offer a change for $20 at times. I figure it would help the value of the car if I would have receipts for every single change for the last 40,000 miles. Buut I dont plan on selling this car anytime soon :D

Up until 100,000 miles the car has burned very little oil between changes. After 100,000 miles, I have found myself adding up to 1 qt between changes. The H22 engine is known to burn oil, so I have never found it strange. There are no oil puddles in the driveway, although parts of the bottom of the engine have some oil. Perhaps I will wipe everything down and check for future leaks. Unfortunatly, I have not kept accurate records of when oil is lost with Castrol GTX or Honda branded oil.

Moving on, I am looking for a recommendation on what oil to use.

-I commute 60 miles a day, up to 4 days a week to school. 90% of this is highway, non stop.

-About 20-30 miles on the street per week.

-I am a very smooth,MPG loving driver.

-It is uncommon when I push the car over 5k rpm's but, it happens a couple times a week. Lots of fun :D

-I am looking for oil that I wont have to change as often and will protect the engine for many years to come.

-Cost is critical, but don't mind paying a little more initially if I don't have to change it as often.

-Looking for something to let the engine run smooth between changes.


I have considered:
Oil:
Mobil 1 5w30 synthetic

Mobil 1 5w30 extended performance

Valvoline Maxlife

Honda "OEM" oil( Local dealer has special, $17 for 5qt + filter, washer) / Synthetic? (Do they make "OEM" Honda synthetic?) .

Filters:
Motorcraft
Honda OEM
Wix
Mobil 1

Opinions?

I am worried about switching to synthetic, as some preludes have leaking problems. Not looking to change lots of seals soon, until I get some time and $ to target the problem and swap the seals.

Thanks!
 
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Any high-mileage oil that's out there, plus a Wix or Pureone Filter on sale.

What a great car. My college buddy had a 1994 VTEC. Amazing rig.
 
With those driving habits considered, a namebrand full synthetic and 7500 miles and your golden. I like the Pureone filters myself.

Of course checking and maintaining you oil level would be key to the success of 7500 miles.
 
A 120K Honda should not use oil, although I know that some do.
Is this an Accord motor car, or do you have one of the OMG 8K redline engines?
If the former, the oil consumption may be a fluke, and may go away.
If the latter, some consumption is normal, and your consumption would be at the low end of the range.
Incidentaly, you have a very nice car.
The late 'lude is something special among Hondas, which are as a group something special among Japanese makes.
 
How long are your OCIs and how much/often are you running low? IMHO MaxLife has a GREAT reputation for helping with leaking problems, and your 60 mile commute and driving style would be really easy on oil. I've seen a few Hondas that had oil control ring trouble, which usually was masked by the cat burning most/all of the oil smoke, unless you have uneven hot idle, or continuous CEL problems, I wouldn't worry too much.
 
Honda VTEC motors can consume oil but they will run just about forever on almost any oil. They are not picky at all.

There is no Honda synthetic, the dealer will just use Mobil 1.
 
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
A 120K Honda should not use oil, although I know that some do.
I know, its not what I'd expect. We've had plenty of Civic's in our family and never have they burned a drop.
Is this an Accord motor car, or do you have one of the OMG 8K redline engines?
Redline's at 7.5k :P
If the former, the oil consumption may be a fluke, and may go away.
If the latter, some consumption is normal, and your consumption would be at the low end of the range.
There is a general consensus that adding 1qt between ~3k changes is "normal", at least among preludepower.com and preludeonline.
Incidentaly, you have a very nice car.
The late 'lude is something special among Hondas, which are as a group something special among Japanese makes.
Thanks! Its a shame they stopped making it. Not really digging Honda's current lineup
frown.gif
S2K left, and Toyota's coming out with a RWD coupe..



Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
How long are your OCIs and how much/often are you running low? IMHO MaxLife has a GREAT reputation for helping with leaking problems, and your 60 mile commute and driving style would be really easy on oil. I've seen a few Hondas that had oil control ring trouble, which usually was masked by the cat burning most/all of the oil smoke, unless you have uneven hot idle, or continuous CEL problems, I wouldn't worry too much.
I'll wait about 4k-5k miles between changes. Sadly, I haven't kept an accurate record of when I add oil. I will definitely do so after my next change. I check the oil weekly, and add about 1/4-1/2 a qt when needed. I haven't seen any particular time line or pattern of when I add. I guess it doesn't help that my driveway is sloped and I have to part at different angles sometimes.
 
I have a 96 vtec prelude. Fantastic car and motor! I would try maxlife and see what happens. Mine ran very smoothly on it.
 
Those suggesting Maxlife, synthetic blend or full synthetic?


Also, what do you guys think of the Valvoline guarantee?
 
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Originally Posted By: RomPirate

Also, what do you guys think of the Valvoline guarantee?



Probably not a horrible deal, except that if you have even so much as an aftermarket air intake or exhaust system, you are automatically disqualified.
 
Originally Posted By: apwillard1986
I use Mobil 1 HM in my 91 Prelude 4WS Si. It runs like a top. In the garage now getting it's transmission rebuilt. They are fantastic cars!

Yeah! 5spd right?


Update!

I just got back from Walmart

They have 5qt jugs of Maxlife blend for $14 !
And delco diesel 15w40 for $8.50
shocked2.gif


Going to pick up a wix filter on the way home.

I'll be changing the oil in a few weeks. I'll let you guys know how it goes!
 
Yep its a 5 Speed! They aren't the fastest cars around but put it on a twisty road and you cant help but smile. Plus, its a hoot to take it out and park it somewhere with the wheel hard over and field comments from citizens concerned about my rear alignment
wink.gif
 
Yeah, MaxLife for my '94. It has the H23, so it's a little different. The oil burn thing is true. I can occasionally smell it, but I only have to add 8oz.-12oz. of makeup oil every 5-6K.

Mine's only at 185k now. Great car.
 
It has been a couple of weeks since I've used Maxlife. It runs very smooth, it almost seems like the engine is off at stop lights! For the last 200 miles or so of mostly street driving, the oil level has not decreased. I will be keeping a very close eye on it...

Findings will be reported when my 60mi/day commute begins. I hope to see similar results.
 
Glad your car likes the oil. I would wipe the oil off the pan,or whatever, to see if it recurrs.
 
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