Hello ladies, I have a ‘06 Civic with 230,000(recalled block at 130,000) that was gifted to me by a family member. It is in great shape given its age and mileage.
However, back in December when I was planning on changing the oil, I noticed the records indicate that it was just recently changed with 5w30 dino(0/5w20 recommended) back in September 2019. So, being "cold" in December and wanting to use the correct specced oil weight, I changed the oil with RTG 0w20. When I started up, I right away noticed an unusual valve train noise. Well, I though it's just because its a "thinner oil" its gonna be noisy, so I drove it for a week.
A week later and the sound is still annoyingly loud, I decided to inspect the valves and the timing chain as it needs a vcg anyway. Upon inspection after the engine sitting overnight, the valves were surprisingly tight especially all of the exhaust side and a little loose on 4 valves on the intake side(one each piston), but the timing chain is clean, good-n-tight. With this discovery, I adjusted the valves accordingly and change the valve cover gasket.
Four hours later after the valve adjustment and gasket replacement, I started the vehicle and dang the thing sounds like my grandma's 1948 15-91 Singer sewing machine!!! I had it run for a little bit to warm it up and hope the noise will subside, but several minutes later it didn't change at all. So, I checked the oil and it was full and clean. I drove it until 2 weeks ago when I decided to recheck the valves again! Valves are ok, same specs and nothing unusual or broken. Got the valve cover back on and changed the oil to 5w30 Supertech HM dino. I started the engine.... and behold! It ran so smooth and quiet.. I'll stick to 5w30 from now on. Have you guys had this experience on a R18 motor? Thanx