Best oil for a 4-cylinder honda?

[88luder]

Hello,
I'm contemplating using a synthetic motor oil in my 1988 honda prelude which has 170,000 miles on it with no oil burn/leaks or any problems.

Would a synthetic motor oil like mobil M1 synthetic 5w-30 be my best option? Or, should I use the semi synthetic mobil M1? I don't want to use one of those internet only (hard to find) oils. I'm thinking that the synthetic protects better against sludge-buildup and doesn't break down like a fossil fuel. I would match this with a M1 oil filter as well.

Thanks

 

[INDYMAC]

What oil have you been using for the last 20 years and 170K miles? Seems to be working well.
It might be time to do some engine cleaning before you decide to change your oil brand. Auto Rx may be a good additive to look into at this point. It has been discussed rather extensively in the "oil additive" forum.
Good luck!

 

[JHZR2]

we have had no issues with M1 and PP in our 13 year old integra with 189k miles.

We are currently moving to Amsoil 0w-20, but if you stick with a good 5w-30, youll be happy, Im sure.

Whether leaks, etc. show up is a function of how well maintained and how clean the engine really has been over the last 20 years... Ive had stellar success converting some older MB diesels to syn oil without issue, and they are older and far more miles than you have.

JMH

 

[SevenBizzos]

My Prelude only has 140k miles and I ran an Auto Rx cycle when I bought it (120k) and have been using just regular MaxLife 5W-30 since. No particular reason for the choice and no problems.

 

[mitchcoyote]

I would suggest Maxlife 5w-30 also.....

 

[02zx9r]

I would suggest an auto-rx cycle, then the maxlife as well....but depending on your driving style and miles you do you could prob just do an auto-rx cycle and run a good dino for 5-6K intervals, again depending on your driving habits/conditions and how often you want to do oil changes.

 

[Johnny]

Originally Posted By: 88luder
Hello,
I'm contemplating using a synthetic motor oil in my 1988 honda prelude which has 170,000 miles on it with no oil burn/leaks or any problems.

Would a synthetic motor oil like mobil M1 synthetic 5w-30 be my best option? Or, should I use the semi synthetic mobil M1? I don't want to use one of those internet only (hard to find) oils. I'm thinking that the synthetic protects better against sludge-buildup and doesn't break down like a fossil fuel. I would match this with a M1 oil filter as well.

Thanks

To BITOG.

What oil and filter have you been using and how often do you change your oil? Mobil 1 also make a High Mileage oil.

 

[MatchboxCar]

I and my family have used Mobil 1 in our nine Hondas for the last 25 years with great success. I use it now and I have good UOAs.

 

[Cyprs]

I haven't owned a Honda for years now, if your Honda engine is like my QR25DE Nissan engine, you have a counter balance shaft and a solid steel time chain good for 320k. If that applies in your Honda, then a good 0-30 Group IV HDEO syn XD3 like what I use will give that extra protection for the severe thrashing the oil takes with the contershaft and really puts a good HDEO film on that chain, this works for me in my hard reving working 4 cyl engines, helps me sleep at night.

My understanding is Honda now requires 5-20, I know lots of Honda owners ask in here if a 0-30 can be used, if it can, 0-30 Castrol Green I think in here is called is a sister oil to Esso XD3 0-30, or one like it.

Just my perspective having driven 4 cyl Japenese engines for 35 years now and never had to open one engine up throughout their long hard used life cycles, not expertize, just my experience.

Cyprs

 

[Triple_Se7en]

If your engine is gunk/sludge free, synthetic would probably be fine. But if you have buildup under the oil cap and valve covers, I would do an Auto-Rx first with conventional oil.

 

[XJ1100]

Originally Posted By: Cyprs
I haven't owned a Honda for years now, if your Honda engine is like my QR25DE Nissan engine, you have a counter balance shaft and a solid steel time chain good for 320k.


He should have a timing belt on his engine.

I have a 1.6L in my del Sol w/ 199k. I am running Chevron or Formula Shell at 4-5k intervals with great success. I think a good dino changed at a reasonable interval (depends on driving conditions) should do very well for you.

I also have thought about maxlife a few times...but this is just my "drive until it dies" car, so the cost has prohibited me from using it.

 

[88luder]

Originally Posted By: INDYMAC
What oil have you been using for the last 20 years and 170K miles? Seems to be working well.
It might be time to do some engine cleaning before you decide to change your oil brand. Auto Rx may be a good additive to look into at this point. It has been discussed rather extensively in the "oil additive" forum.
Good luck!


Hello all,
Thanks for the replies. I have been using just the regular mobil dino 5w-30 and mobil oil filter for the last 120,000 miles. I do have a bit of sludge and varnish I'm trying to get rid of using the auto-rx,(still in the 1st cleaning phase using supertech oil and filter).

I'm just wondering if Mobil 1 M1 (fully) synthetic would be good to use after my auto-rx treatment? Wouldn't synthetic not break down and cause sludge?

Thanks

 

[ClarkB]

I use PP in my '99 Civic and run it for 10,000 miles. Had a UOA done on it and according to that I should have run it for 12-14K miles. After you've done your auto-rx treatment I would switch to PP, change it every 10K and forget about it.

Clark

 

[Cutehumor]

if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Audi Junkie]

MaxLife.

 

[Steelhead]

continue with the Supertech oil and filter, put the money saved into a replacement car fund in a bank CD. change every 5k miles along with filter. change air filters yearly to reduce engine wear. high dust concentrations in NV.
change the PCV yearly and make sure the PCV line is clear
service the cooing system every 2 years

the engine will last as long on Supertech as the most expensive synthetic. better ROI.

some varnish is normal in most engines, not something to fuss over.
many engines develop some sludge with high miles. use the Auto RX every 30k to clean the ring packs and keep the oil drain back holes clear.

that Honda engine will last longer than you want to drive it