What oil to use for 1999 Honda Accord?

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted By: SavagePatch
Originally Posted By: EdwardC
I think you got the oil mostly covered, but like someone else mentioned, drain and fill the transmission fluid too. Do that every periodically and it'll keep the transmission running well. I would argue that the transmission fluid is more critical than the motor oil for the longevity of your vehicle.


Would a drain and fill of 2.5qts ATF once a year be enough? That's how much drains out when I have it on the ramps. And would Maxlife ATF work well?


I typically only use Honda fluid for the transmission, but that's not to say that something else won't work (or even work better).

If you have no maintenance history, I would personally do 2-3 drain and fills at relatively short intervals (maybe every 6 months, or every oil change interval?), then do them every 30k. If you know that it was done at 90K or 105k (I can't remember what the suggested interval is), I would just do one DnF now, then again every 30k or every other year.

Once a year probably costs about the same, and is probably just as good. I would base it on how convenient it is to do at the time. As long as you're doing it fairly regularly, I think you're good to go.

 

[fdcg27]

I actually owned a '99 Accord from new up until my older son totaled it at about 175K, with no injuries to my son.
Over these miles, not much broke and the car needed nothing beyond a new driver's side power window regulator, a couple of sets of brakes, a clutch (at 152K) and a starter, all easy and cheap, except for the clutch, which was cheap but not easy.
There was, of course, also a timing belt replacement at about 105K.
Anyway, if the car has been decently maintained, you can use any 5W-30 without worries.
I used everything from GC to M1 AFE to M1 15W-50 with a little PP thrown into the mix later in the car's life. It was all good with no significant consumption and no leaks.
I posted a UOA of a 7K run of PP from this car, including a winter, in probably 2012.
You could look for it if you want. I'm too lazy to find it for you. Suffice it to say that it looked really nice.
Use any inexpensive oil filter. I always did.
Honda recommended 7.5K drains.
Go shorter or longer as you wish. The engine will outlast the transmission either way.
Our '99 was a stick.
Our same gen '02 is an automatic and is showing symptoms of the transmission death that is typical of this generation.
For ATF, Maxlife is fine, cheap and widely available.
If the engine is showing consumption, you could try an HM oil.
These engines are not picky about oil or oil filters, so don't worry too much about what you use.
The primary concern right now should be the timing belt.
If it hasn't been changed, you're on borrowed time and a failure of the timing belt, water pump or tensioner results in instant engine death.
These are good cars and a joy to drive (moreso with a stick).
Good luck with this machine!