theguy22

Ok, here's my situation. I have a 1997 civic ex coup and i need to do MY first oil change. I am not sure what kind of oil was used. i know since i got high mileage i should use thicker oil like 1040. but should i use synthetic or conventional/normal? would it damage the engine if i used conventional? a lot of people say to use either one but would using synthetic really make a difference? i bought a gallon of castrol GTX motor oil so i dont know if i should return it for full synthetic or just go with what i have. by the way, i got a D16y8 vtec engine. it has 211k on it.

hannslebo

No need to use synthetic...use what you have

furious94ls

Use 5w30 oil. I've been using Penzoil High Mileage 5w30. My car has 188k. After I install a new oil pan I'll be running Penzoil Platnium full synthetic 5w30.

Just make sure you don't have any existing oil leaks before switching to synthetic. I changed the valve cover gasket, spark plug grommets, valve cover bolts/gaskets, and distributor gasket. Engine is nice and sealed up now. Oil pan is seeping and it's shitty, so I'm gonna replace it in the spring.

Don't use 10w40. If you engine is in good shape stick to the 5w30.

Texas4door

5W-30 Valvoline Maxlife with Lucas Oil Stabilizer Heavy Duty.
(and that Maxlife is Synthetic Blend, NOT full syn, so you get better protection than conventional, but less expensive than a full syn oil)
That outta keep your motor running for a long long time
^^

TOO MUCH TORQUE

dont put any additives especially lucas in your motor. it doesnt NEED it

Any 5w-30 high mileage will keep your engine running well: valvoline, castrol, pennzoil, mobil, supertech, quakerstate

Texas4door

What's wrong with Lucas?
Seems to work pretty good for me (but I use the full syn with full syn high mileage oil)
oO

HondaPartsHero

5w30 regular oil. No need for synthetic or high mileage. If your car leaks oil fix the leak, if it burns oil the high mileage isn't going to do that much depending on the condition of the part that's failing.

motegicivic

No synthetic try to stick to 5w 30, don't want to go too thick, 10w 30 max. High mileage oil can't hurt, it has some additives in it like seal conditioners etc.

HondaPartsHero

It's not like it's magic potion, it has a burn inhibitor and a chemical that basically swells seals. If its not burning or leaking just use a plain ol 5w30 oil.

Blacknight117

iTrader: (1)

My EJ1 has about 300K on it, and I use Castrol High Mileage. 5w-30 during the colder months, and 10w-30 in the warmer months.

motegicivic

Shouldn't that be the opposite?

Blacknight117

iTrader: (1)

Yea...my bad haha..edited

furious94ls

Curious as to why you guys are against Synthetic oil? In all my cars I noticed quicker cold starts, cleaner oil longer, and longer change intervals. Penzoil Platnum is $25 for 5 quarts at Wallmart. With an OEM filter your looking at $30 every 5k or 5 months.

motegicivic

Only if you start off new use it, or relatively new. Basically for a older cars that never used it is a no no, may promote leaks.

furious94ls

Thats kind of a myth. I do know that some "older" cars with seepage seep a lil more with synthetic. My father's TSX with 100k just switched over and he has always used Honda motor oil, and the car starts quicker and even has a lil better fuel economy.

I say if you aren't leaking or seeping its fine. Even if it did, then you can always switch back. It's kind of rare to have a car leak just because of switching oil.

Burning oil is another issue, some motors are sensitive to what oil and how much they consume.

mrprofits1

iTrader: (1)

..

furious94ls

Lol, good luck with the tranny with "any ATF"

cetcivic

mazola

mrprofits1

iTrader: (1)

..

shel

Thanks so much, guys. Noticed my oil was low yesterday, so while at AutoZone for an AC recharge kit, asked advice on the best oil for my 130,000 miles 97 honda civic dx. The clerk sold me a quart of STP high mileage 10W30. I was about to put it in the car, when I noticed the manufacturer recommends 5W30. After reading your comments, I now know that 10W30 will be fine during this crazy hot summer in FL! Thanks again!!

oldtimer38

I would start off with a good quality 5-30 conventional oil. Keep track of oil cosumption; if minimal stay with the 5-30. I've used synthetic in my '96 Civic since it was new, but I would advise against it in this situation. Save yourself some possible headaches and use the conventional oil. It will give your engine all the protection it needs, and unless you live in northern Minnesota, cold weather starting will not be a problem. That's what the "5" in 5-30 means. Good Luck.

superdavebigD

5w-30 Mobil 1 or Valvoline Max Life (synthetic blend)...nothing else IMO.

Have been running max life for over a year now. I beat the snot out of my car and it still runs great d16y8 with over 200k.

oldtimer38

It is a myth that 10w-30 will protect your engine better than than 5w-30, even in extremely hot summer weather. 5w-30 has the added benefit of protection down to below -20F, while 10w-30 is recommended down to only +20F. It's not like the old days, it's not just viscosity anymore, modern oils contain chemicals that guarantee protection even under extreme operating conditions. Look in your Honda owner's manual. Use 5w-30 year around, change it on time, and you'll be fine.