Paralysis by Analysis - '06 Civic Si

[DeepFriar]

You'd think a supposed grownup would not have this problem. Even after digesting everything we have to offer here everyday (which is fantastic BTW) I am still stuck on an oil question. One of ours is an '06 Civic Si (K20Z3), 130K miles, runs great, uses about a quart every 4K miles. OM calls for 5w30 and I have Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w30 in there now. Last fill was 5-30 Redline (because it was already stashed) so this fill of PUP will probably be contaminated so a used oil analysis is not likely to be fully valid on this drain.

I am impressed with what I have seen of the Mobil 1 0W-40 VOA-used oil analysis and am further tempted by the current rebate. And, like others, I have an availability problem on the PUP ("should ship in 3-6 weeks", etc.). Question - Is the Mobil 1 0W-40 too thick for the "VTEC+tight engine" Honda? (I know there are other threads but like I said, paralysis). The Mobil 1 0W30 is not even the same league as the 0W40, addpack wise, so that's out. The 0W40 seems to have some propensity to shear a grade, which is OK, but that info seems hit or miss.

I guess if I had my druthers I am looking for a full SAPS oil with HTHS in the mid 3's but with the lowest viscosity that makes sense i.e. no lower than a 30. Am asking advice on using the Mobil 1 0W40, having patience to get the PUP or recommendations on the opinions of the best 0-5W30's that are currently available. Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[CT8]

What gives you the idea the 0w-40 would be too thick? You may not need a 40 but it won't be too thick. the redline isn't thin.

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Sounds like you want a synthetic 5w30 at HTHS=3.3 or 3.5, right between regular Mobil 1 (and Mobil 1 Extended Performance) and Mobil 1 0w-40.

Mobil 1 0w-30: 3.0 -- GoldyLox says "too thin"
Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30: 3.1 and 3.0
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30: 3.3
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w30: 3.5
Mobil 1 0w-40: 3.8 -- GoldyLox says "too thick"

Any could be used in Georgia, warm climate. High Mileage Mobil 1 is in the middle. HTHS determines oil film thickness.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAXXENPVLMOMobil_1_High_Mileage_Oil.aspx

 

[DeepFriar]

Good input. Thank you.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I mixed Mobil 1 0W40 with 0W20(AFE or EP) at ratio 60% 0W40(3 quarts) 40%(2 quarts) 0W20 to get HTHS around 3.4-3.5 for my S2000.

 

[DeepFriar]

Originally Posted By: CT8
What gives you the idea the 0w-40 would be too thick? You may not need a 40 but it won't be too thick. the redline isn't thin.


You make a good point about the Redline. I was concerned that it was too thick for the engine so when it came time I went with the PUP.

 

[DeepFriar]

Does anyone have an HTHS datapoint on the Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w30 and/or the Pennzoil Ultra Platium 0w40?

 

[CT8]

You are putting way. way too much thought into a motor oil choice Most hondas that are minimally taken care of out last the ownership.

 

[DeepFriar]

I don't disagree with that.

guess I am most concerned by the operation of the I-VTEC system and secondarily about the load carrying ability of a given oil. I just don't onow how tolerant of varying weights are on the operation of that system. Maybe I'm asking a "pumpability" question more than an HTHS question.... You are right about overthinking it, it's a curse.

 

[Nate1979]

In the end all of your analysis won't make a hill of beans for the operation of your car. Run what is spec'd.

 

[JSRT4]

I ran Redline 5w30 in my Honda S2000 this year, next year I'm going to try Redline 5w40 and I have a 2 year supply. I think you can run a 40 weight like Mobil 1 0w40 without issues in the Civic.

 

[DeepFriar]

Originally Posted By: JSRT4
I ran Redline 5w30 in my Honda S2000 this year, next year I'm going to try Redline 5w40 and I have a 2 year supply. I think you can run a 40 weight like Mobil 1 0w40 without issues in the Civic.


I still have eight quarts of 0W40 but at HTHS of 4.0 I had decided not to use it in the Si. That stuff has served me well in the Nissan though. I think you'll be pleased as well if your usage is hard.

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I mixed Mobil 1 0W40 with 0W20(AFE or EP) at ratio 60% 0W40(3 quarts) 40%(2 quarts) 0W20 to get HTHS around 3.4-3.5 for my S2000.


Or mix in half quart Mobil 1 Vtwin 20w-50 with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 and get HTHS=3.3 for the mixture.

 

[Garak]

I'd said Delvac 1 LE 5w30, but they are extremely unkind when they price it for the United States, for some reason. At least then, you won't have to mix. It's HTHS will be 3.5 or greater.

With respect to Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w30's HTHS, we don't have the number, but you can almost take to the bank that it is 3.0 to 3.2, inclusive. Almost every ILSAC rated 30 is.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

GC/BC Castrol 0w30

 

[DeepFriar]

I have never blended my own oils but I can see where, while staying close within a family, it would make sense. I'll have to give that some thought. It would be a leap for me though. This discussion has also raised the question in my mind of stepping down to a xW20. This vehicle is not thrashed. I had hoped to find a more modern formulation than Redline but given the mostly easy commuting use maybe the RL 0-5W20 is "good enough". Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 is around 10 points thinner on the 40/100 measures, so maybe a bit thin. Sorry to change direction but thoughts for this particular vehicle and use?

 

[dgunay]

xw40 is recommended for Type-r's equipped with k20a/z's, which is very similar to the USDM Si's k20z3.

We use 5w30 due to CAFE standards.

I use 80% Mobil 1 0W40 and 20% TGMO 0W20, a.k.a Caterham blend. The reason why I still use xw30 is, I live in Toronto, it has been my daily driver (I occasionally go to track days) and the car has zero oil consumption between the oil change intervals (5-6k miles or 10k km).

If I were you, I'd use 0w40 all year round. Especially if you drive it like you stole it.

Also, do not use xw20.

 

[DeepFriar]

It's really hard to overcome the one-two performance-value punch of the current Mobil 1 0W40. Very good oil at a very good price. Embrace the horror.....

 

[mauric3]

i have the same engine ... im running RP HPS 5w30.. so far no burning oil yet... why not give the RP HPS 5w30 a shot .. not sure if the synerlec additive would help with the consumption of oil.. i would be interested to see if RP Hps 5w30 would actually stop the consumption of the oil