Oil advice for -84 Honda CRX

[OpelFever]

I would like to know what oil you recommend for the car mentioned above. I've read quite a bit about ZDDP requirements in older cars and I'm having a hard time deciding what oil to use.

Shell Rotella T is not available here but I was wondering if a diesel-oil would provide better protection for the engine? Has the necessity of ZDDP been overexaggerated? Will any API SM-rated oil be good for the car?

The engine is the 1.5-liter, 12-valve (EW3) and its only driven during summer.

 

[ryan2022]

Shouldnt need extra ZDDP in the CRX. I've always heard that the amount of ZDDP in the newer oils is as much or more than was introduced way back when, to solve the flat tappet valvetrain issue.

You should be fine, especially in the Honda running any of the SM oils. Even the older Hondas are easy on oil.

Cool car BTW! isn't that the first year for them?

 

[OpelFever]

Thanks, I'll start hunting the stores for synthetic on discount.
As far as I know -84 is the first year it came on sale, fun car and almost completely stock, only downside is that finding parts is a PITA.

 

[bepperb]

You don't need ZDDP for the CRX, agreed.

I'd find whatever 5-30 you like and run that with no worries.

I used to have a Civic with the same/similar 12v.

 

[Andyge]

I would go with a good conventional 10w30 like Pennzoil, Quaker State,MC5K or Valvoline conventional

http://www.mobiloil.com/usa-english/motoroil/car_care/which_oil/WhichOilOption1.aspx

Andy

 

[ryan2022]

Originally Posted By: Andyge
I would go with a good conventional 10w30 like Pennzoil, Quaker State,MC5K or Valvoline conventional

http://www.mobiloil.com/usa-english/motoroil/car_care/which_oil/WhichOilOption1.aspx

Andy


Thats a good idea. Castrol GTX is GREAT in Hondas.

 

[JT1]

High zddp is only necessary when you have an aggresive lift(high lift w/fast ramps) profile combined with stiffer springs. Old stock junk will run fine on just about anything.

 

[OpelFever]

Thanks for comments, only problem is that we don't have the pre-mentioned oils up here. There is, however, a nice variety of oils that are thicker then most of the stuff you have in the US.
Basically the options are:
5w-40 synthetic: several options, most common allround oil
10w-40 semi-synthetic and mineral: cheaper and also lots to choose from.
0w-30/5w30 fuel economy oils: Mainly for newer cars with emission systems, I personally wouldn't use these in older bangers (oil consumption, lower wear protection).

The 40-weight should be good for summer use and spirited driving, I ran Castrol Magnatec 5w-40 last summer with no problems. If GTX is good in hondas, I figure it will do fine as well.

 

[addyguy]

Honda engines will literally run on cooking oil.

Whatever the cheapest 10W-40 mineral you can find will do fine in that motor.

I speak with a bit of experience - drove a 1986 Civic for 2 years with that same motor, and drove it pretty hard. Never gave me any problems/high consumption.

 

[teambeechstreet]

I've owned an 87 civic hatch and still own an 86 crx hf. both ran on 10w30 Trop Artic with minimal oil consumption. The 87 really liked 20w-50 on those 100+ degree summer days

 

[Andyge]

you could go with Pennzoil SAE HD-30.

Andy