Oil recommendations

[motojcf27]

I drive a 1992 Accord LX AT with 158k miles. I live in Salt Lake City (bitter cold winters and smeltering hot summers!) I drive mostly in the city for my commute with occasional long trips (>300mi). I have a lead foot and like to push the car a little. Just looking for an oil recommendation for these conditions.

Note: Car seems to get VERY ticky in the cold until its up to operationg temp.

Thanks!

 

[Oregoonian]

A synthetic....5w30 seems about right to me....with an OCi of 5 to 6K. An 0w30 might work as well (M-1).

 

[motojcf27]

Thanks man, though I've heard full synthetics may not be the best for older engines (tends to promote leaks?). May just be an old wives tale though. Either way, thanks for the input!

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: motojcf27
Thanks man, though I've heard full synthetics may not be the best for older engines (tends to promote leaks?). May just be an old wives tale though. Either way, thanks for the input!


Reason I recommended a synthetic is that your driving habits would be considered 'severe'.....mostly short trips & stop and go driving. Syns are better for that type of driving.

Be sure you get the vehicle out at least two or three times a month... for a good 30 to 50 miles (or more) freeway trips....to get your oil up nice and hot.

And yes.....switching to synthetics causes leaks...is a myth.

One other suggestion....get a good mid-tier filter....such a Purolator PureOne, WIX, or Nap Gold.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: motojcf27
Thanks man, though I've heard full synthetics may not be the best for older engines (tends to promote leaks?). May just be an old wives tale though. Either way, thanks for the input!


Old wives tale.

I would go for any quality 5w30 synthetic, as it should be able to withstand your driving style. There's always something on sale (combo with an oil filter).

Right now there's a $20 rebate for Quaker State Ultimate Durability.

 

[motojcf27]

Cool.. Makes sense!

 

[Ayrton]

Originally Posted By: motojcf27
Cool.. Makes sense!


Synthetic shouldn't cause leaks.

However, if you have a leak already, it can be dramatically worse with synthetic.

I can't use it in my old car because it has a tiny leak and synthetic makes it much worse.


What oil have you been using up to this point?

 

[mechtech2]

A full synthetic is best for Extreme cold starts in winter, or extreme engine heat, like with a turbo [very hot local spots].

But I see no reason at all that it is best for short trippers.
[Driving in the city does not automatically constitute a short trip - the engine may warm up just fine].

What viscosity are you using now that it ticks with?
You may have to live with this generally innocuous peculiarity.

I'd use a 5w30 conventional in your situation.

 

[motojcf27]

Originally Posted By: Ayrton
What oil have you been using up to this point?


I've been using Valvoline semi-synthetic (MaxLife) in 5w30.

No oil leaks at this time

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: motojcf27
Thanks man, though I've heard full synthetics may not be the best for older engines (tends to promote leaks?).


Well, there is the argument that a synthetic might clean out some "sludge gaskets," uncovering a leak that was previously hidden. Aside from that issue, I highly doubt it.

What does the manual recommend for viscosity and oil change interval? Bill in Utah and I (in Saskatchewan, Canada) run conventional with no problems, and I experience -40 on occasion. Unless the engine is a known sludger, pick a good conventional and follow the manufacturer's oil change interval recommendations.

 

[Hokiefyd]

If you're going to use synthetic, I'm not sure why I wouldn't use a 0w30 instead of a 5w30. The 0w30 grade should get to the rubbing surfaces faster than a 5w30 will, though if we're comparing two synthetic oils here, the difference is probably academic.

I do understand, however, that some of the 0W- grades have a "better" base than some of the 5W- grades. For example, I've heard that Mobil 1's 0W-20 and 0w30 are "better" formulations than their 5W-20 and 5w30 grades, aside from just the grade difference.

For what it's worth, my CR-V's engine is quietest on Mobil 1's 0W-20. It, too, can be a little noisy in cold weather. The M1 removes most of that noise, and in warm weather, it purrs like a kitten in the sun.

 

[Eddie]

i would stick with what has worked well for 158,000 miles. I would not change.

 

[virginoil]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
i would stick with what has worked well for 158,000 miles. I would not change.


Bingo.

 

[virginoil]

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
Originally Posted By: motojcf27
Thanks man, though I've heard full synthetics may not be the best for older engines (tends to promote leaks?). May just be an old wives tale though. Either way, thanks for the input!


Reason I recommended a synthetic is that your driving habits would be considered 'severe'.....mostly short trips & stop and go driving. Syns are better for that type of driving.

Be sure you get the vehicle out at least two or three times a month... for a good 30 to 50 miles (or more) freeway trips....to get your oil up nice and hot.

And yes.....switching to synthetics causes leaks...is a myth.

One other suggestion....get a good mid-tier filter....such a Purolator PureOne, WIX, or Nap Gold.



Been said many times before mineral or synthetic is not the issue.

The correct OCI for the application and use is just as important.

Switching to synthetics, changing oil brands etc can cause leaks by exposing false seals.

If the engine seal condition is unknown don't risk it just keep using whatever oil you have been using IMO.

Its not a myth if the seals are clean and pliable and good condition. If the seals are in good condition then follow the correct procedure when changing oil brands.

 

[fdcg27]

Hondas are usually neither burners nor leakers.
They are also not picky about oil.
You can load up on FAR Quaker State Ultimate Durability 5w30 at the moment, and your Accord should do just fine with it in your climate.
It will also be about the least you'll ever spend on oil of any kind.
Use a decent oil filter and change every 5-6K, although you could probably run the oil longer.