Noob Question? Full synthetic oil
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From: san jose, ca, usa
Noob Question? Full synthetic oil
I recently bought 00' civic si and I was doing my own oil Change And I decided to put full synthetic oil on my car. I know on most civic's they take 4qts using regular oil. But When i was using full synthetic I ended up using 5 qts. Is this true. Will this hurt my car. I checked my oil on a level ground and at first when I put 4 qts it wasnt enough and then I put 5qts and it ended up being perfect rite on the second dot on the dip stick...
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From: Terre Haute, IN, United States
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (Ek4 life)
i have a 00 civic si too and my car takes 4.6 quarts of mobil 1 synthetic.. it all depends if u changed your oil filter with it.. that may mess with the level a little bit but you should be completely fine
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From: Rochester, New York -> Santa Clara, CA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (Ek4 life)
In all honesty it's not enough to make it foam, but what it is enough to be bad for the engine.
Basic highschool chemistry calorimetry. The more substance there is to heat, assumed the amount of energy (in this case heat and turbulence), the longer it takes the heat the medium (the oil). Why does this matter at all? Well simply because it increases the warmup time on your engine and it's bad to run your engine when it's cold.
So if you're in a cold climate (that's getting cold, like NY, PA, etc.) it matters a lot, but you say if you're in Cali or some place warm it won't matter at all, because it's already hot, right? Well maybe, but you still have to take into account it maybe 60* there, and that might not be considered a cold climate, but don't forget that typical engine operating temperature is 190*.
I'd drain a quart out, that's running it pretty high, not enough to foam and be ineffective, but enough that I wouldn't feel good running it.
Basic highschool chemistry calorimetry. The more substance there is to heat, assumed the amount of energy (in this case heat and turbulence), the longer it takes the heat the medium (the oil). Why does this matter at all? Well simply because it increases the warmup time on your engine and it's bad to run your engine when it's cold.
So if you're in a cold climate (that's getting cold, like NY, PA, etc.) it matters a lot, but you say if you're in Cali or some place warm it won't matter at all, because it's already hot, right? Well maybe, but you still have to take into account it maybe 60* there, and that might not be considered a cold climate, but don't forget that typical engine operating temperature is 190*.
I'd drain a quart out, that's running it pretty high, not enough to foam and be ineffective, but enough that I wouldn't feel good running it.
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From: Rochester, New York -> Santa Clara, CA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (Syndacate)
PS:
For all of those arguing about it, I just looked it up in the Honda service manual, and the B16A2 asks for 4.2 US Qts. on an oil change with the filter, with a maximum total engine capacity of 4.8 US qts. So putting in 5 qts. is quite a bit over-doing it, I'd drop a quart then put it to the top hole/notch where it's supposed to be.
In case you're wondering about how to remove oil w/o dropping it and it becoming a pain in the ***. You can get large syringes with flexible rubber tubing that you can slide down into the dipstick hole and extract a quart that way, the syringes are about 1/4 a quart, so they're good for extracting a bit of oil.
For all of those arguing about it, I just looked it up in the Honda service manual, and the B16A2 asks for 4.2 US Qts. on an oil change with the filter, with a maximum total engine capacity of 4.8 US qts. So putting in 5 qts. is quite a bit over-doing it, I'd drop a quart then put it to the top hole/notch where it's supposed to be.
In case you're wondering about how to remove oil w/o dropping it and it becoming a pain in the ***. You can get large syringes with flexible rubber tubing that you can slide down into the dipstick hole and extract a quart that way, the syringes are about 1/4 a quart, so they're good for extracting a bit of oil.
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From: Seattle, WA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (Syndacate)
The guy said after 5 quarts he was right on the money. How the hell is that bad for the engine. I ran my oil a little past the mark before, I felt absolutely no difference in time it took the engine to warm up. I live in Seattle, 34*F average in the winter. Your logic makes sense but you're blowing it out of proportion.
Do you also ignore the fact that if you're on the low mark, you are 1 quart low on oil? By running it below that you risk damaging your engine (exact words from a former Master Tech that teaches Automotive Technology). On some engines yes you do run the risk of burning the extra oil, I've seen it done. Yes there is extra drag on the motor but no way should he take out 1 quart of oil to make it 4.2 or whatever it may be. IT SHOULD BE AT THE MARK. period.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Syndacate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In all honesty it's not enough to make it foam, but what it is enough to be bad for the engine.
Basic highschool chemistry calorimetry. The more substance there is to heat, assumed the amount of energy (in this case heat and turbulence), the longer it takes the heat the medium (the oil). Why does this matter at all? Well simply because it increases the warmup time on your engine and it's bad to run your engine when it's cold.
So if you're in a cold climate (that's getting cold, like NY, PA, etc.) it matters a lot, but you say if you're in Cali or some place warm it won't matter at all, because it's already hot, right? Well maybe, but you still have to take into account it maybe 60* there, and that might not be considered a cold climate, but don't forget that typical engine operating temperature is 190*.
I'd drain a quart out, that's running it pretty high, not enough to foam and be ineffective, but enough that I wouldn't feel good running it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Do you also ignore the fact that if you're on the low mark, you are 1 quart low on oil? By running it below that you risk damaging your engine (exact words from a former Master Tech that teaches Automotive Technology). On some engines yes you do run the risk of burning the extra oil, I've seen it done. Yes there is extra drag on the motor but no way should he take out 1 quart of oil to make it 4.2 or whatever it may be. IT SHOULD BE AT THE MARK. period.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Syndacate »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In all honesty it's not enough to make it foam, but what it is enough to be bad for the engine.
Basic highschool chemistry calorimetry. The more substance there is to heat, assumed the amount of energy (in this case heat and turbulence), the longer it takes the heat the medium (the oil). Why does this matter at all? Well simply because it increases the warmup time on your engine and it's bad to run your engine when it's cold.
So if you're in a cold climate (that's getting cold, like NY, PA, etc.) it matters a lot, but you say if you're in Cali or some place warm it won't matter at all, because it's already hot, right? Well maybe, but you still have to take into account it maybe 60* there, and that might not be considered a cold climate, but don't forget that typical engine operating temperature is 190*.
I'd drain a quart out, that's running it pretty high, not enough to foam and be ineffective, but enough that I wouldn't feel good running it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: san jose, ca, usa
Re: (brian_98EK)
I only ask cause I use to have 92' civic hatch with a b16 and on that i just used reg. oil and it only took 4 qts... But on my 00 civic it took 5 qts. And the previous owner always used full synthetic but never told how much he used to put in. So when I did my own oil changed to the car it took 5....
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From: Hettinger, North Dakota, US
Re: (brian_98EK)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by brian_98EK »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">has your car been changed with Full Syn. since it was new? its bad to start putting it in if its been givin different types of oil since it was new. </TD></TR></TABLE>
it doesnt matter if you switch between a full synthetic and a reg oil. that is a myth. it makes no difference. just like saying that if you run one oil your motor will blow up or not run as well if you swap to a second kind of oil. some auto copanies say to run a full synthetic during the winter, while running a petrolium based, during the summer if not a full synthetic.
the only thing you have to worry about when you switch over is that the synthetic is a little harder on oil seals, and will find every last leak on your motor. so if you have some seals that are a bit dated, dont worry when you see a little drip coming out of them.
if the op's motor takes 5 quarts, thats not alot more then the 4.whatever that the manual says. the extra .3 of a quart isnt going to hurt his motor at all...
it doesnt matter if you switch between a full synthetic and a reg oil. that is a myth. it makes no difference. just like saying that if you run one oil your motor will blow up or not run as well if you swap to a second kind of oil. some auto copanies say to run a full synthetic during the winter, while running a petrolium based, during the summer if not a full synthetic.
the only thing you have to worry about when you switch over is that the synthetic is a little harder on oil seals, and will find every last leak on your motor. so if you have some seals that are a bit dated, dont worry when you see a little drip coming out of them.
if the op's motor takes 5 quarts, thats not alot more then the 4.whatever that the manual says. the extra .3 of a quart isnt going to hurt his motor at all...
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From: USA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (Ek4 life)
Straight from the Honda Service manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
D16Y7
3.5 qt for oil change without filter
3.8 qt for oil change including filter
4.5 qt for engine overhaul
D16Y5 and D16Y8
3.2 qt for oil change without filter
3.5 qt for oil change including filter
3.9 qt for engine overhaul
<FONT COLOR="red">B16A2
3.9 qt for oil change without filter
4.2 qt for oil change including filter
5.1 qt for engine overhaul</FONT>
Might as well add this here too.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
D16Y5 and D16Y7 and D16Y8 (S40)
1.9 qt for fluid change
2.0 qt for overhaul
B16A2 (S4C)
2.3 qt for fluid change
2.4 qt for overhaul
And since there seems to be confusion, here is the actual page (compiled into one image).
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ek4 life »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I recently bought 00' civic si and I was doing my own oil Change And I decided to put full synthetic oil on my car. I know on most civic's they take 4qts using regular oil. But When i was using full synthetic I ended up using 5 qts. Is this true. Will this hurt my car. I checked my oil on a level ground and at first when I put 4 qts it wasnt enough and then I put 5qts and it ended up being perfect rite on the second dot on the dip stick...</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's too much.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crazyness462 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have a 00 civic si too and my car takes 4.6 quarts of mobil 1 synthetic.. it all depends if u changed your oil filter with it.. that may mess with the level a little bit but you should be completely fine</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's too much.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ahron »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ek?? it takes 3.5 qts of oil. 5 qts way too much thats bad. regular oil and synthentic is the takes up same volume</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's not enough.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EFbomb »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">check the dipstick and make sure your sticking it back in all the way.
I'm pretty sure its just over 4 quarts with a filter, but 5 seems like a little much</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's right.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Frickr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if the op's motor takes 5 quarts, thats not alot more then the 4.whatever that the manual says. the extra .3 of a quart isnt going to hurt his motor at all...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, if he didn't change the filter he put in 1.1 qt too much. If he did a filter change, he still put a quart too much in. That's a lot when it's only supposed to take 4 quarts to begin with. That's 125% of what it's designed to take.
Modified by NOFX at 1:45 PM 11/20/2007
Engine Oil Capacity:
D16Y7
3.5 qt for oil change without filter
3.8 qt for oil change including filter
4.5 qt for engine overhaul
D16Y5 and D16Y8
3.2 qt for oil change without filter
3.5 qt for oil change including filter
3.9 qt for engine overhaul
<FONT COLOR="red">B16A2
3.9 qt for oil change without filter
4.2 qt for oil change including filter
5.1 qt for engine overhaul</FONT>
Might as well add this here too.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
D16Y5 and D16Y7 and D16Y8 (S40)
1.9 qt for fluid change
2.0 qt for overhaul
B16A2 (S4C)
2.3 qt for fluid change
2.4 qt for overhaul
And since there seems to be confusion, here is the actual page (compiled into one image).
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ek4 life »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I recently bought 00' civic si and I was doing my own oil Change And I decided to put full synthetic oil on my car. I know on most civic's they take 4qts using regular oil. But When i was using full synthetic I ended up using 5 qts. Is this true. Will this hurt my car. I checked my oil on a level ground and at first when I put 4 qts it wasnt enough and then I put 5qts and it ended up being perfect rite on the second dot on the dip stick...</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's too much.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crazyness462 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have a 00 civic si too and my car takes 4.6 quarts of mobil 1 synthetic.. it all depends if u changed your oil filter with it.. that may mess with the level a little bit but you should be completely fine</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's too much.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ahron »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ek?? it takes 3.5 qts of oil. 5 qts way too much thats bad. regular oil and synthentic is the takes up same volume</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's not enough.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EFbomb »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">check the dipstick and make sure your sticking it back in all the way.
I'm pretty sure its just over 4 quarts with a filter, but 5 seems like a little much</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's right.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Frickr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if the op's motor takes 5 quarts, thats not alot more then the 4.whatever that the manual says. the extra .3 of a quart isnt going to hurt his motor at all...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, if he didn't change the filter he put in 1.1 qt too much. If he did a filter change, he still put a quart too much in. That's a lot when it's only supposed to take 4 quarts to begin with. That's 125% of what it's designed to take.
Modified by NOFX at 1:45 PM 11/20/2007
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From: hmt noggs
Re: (brian_98EK)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by brian_98EK »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">has your car been changed with Full Syn. since it was new? its bad to start putting it in if its been givin different types of oil since it was new. </TD></TR></TABLE>
This is total bs, maybe if you have oil leaks it might start to leak out faster but you should fix those problems. Synthetics ftw! im a big fan of amsoil never done me wrong.
This is total bs, maybe if you have oil leaks it might start to leak out faster but you should fix those problems. Synthetics ftw! im a big fan of amsoil never done me wrong.
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Posts: 891
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From: Hettinger, North Dakota, US
Re: (quicksilver1689)
amsoil's and mobil1's have the top ratings that you can get with oil. when choosing oil, that is the major thing to look at, is that little stamp on the back. personally, i get better gas milage (33-34 depends on how fast i drive from 30-32) and at 3000 miles, my oil is just as clean as the day i put it in. i run amsoil full synthetic 5w30.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: san jose, ca, usa
Re: (Frickr)
Inspected the whole entire engine bay, and theres no leaks any where.... Also lifted my car up and took a look see under and no leak... The car runs like a champ... Feels the same as my 92 hatch. 
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Terre Haute, IN, United States
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (EFLS89)
well i put 4.6 quarts in mine with an oil filter everytime and i have no complaints what so ever its right on the dipstick and runs like a champ...
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From: SC, USA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (crazyness462)
When i change the oil and oil filter in my Si it takes around 4.7-4.8qt. I have never had any problems going on 3 years now. Just check your oil level and as long as you are between the two holes in the dipstick you are good. 
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ahron, The '00 Civic Si is an EM1, not an EK.
And for my topic input, it is technically incorrect to go to the full mark on the dipstick. It's not like your car's gonna blow up if you do, so shut up before you get started. But anyway, most will tell you that you typically want to be about halfway between the two marks for ideal performance. Maybe a little more if your car goes through oil quickly, but still, the full mark and beyond is at least a little too much.
And for my topic input, it is technically incorrect to go to the full mark on the dipstick. It's not like your car's gonna blow up if you do, so shut up before you get started. But anyway, most will tell you that you typically want to be about halfway between the two marks for ideal performance. Maybe a little more if your car goes through oil quickly, but still, the full mark and beyond is at least a little too much.
H-T White Ops
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,603
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From: USA
Re: (Hardedge)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hardedge »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ahron, The '00 Civic Si is an EM1, not an EK. </TD></TR></TABLE>
When he said, "EK?" I believe that was his way of asking, "Is your Civic Si a 6th gen Civic?"
</TD></TR></TABLE>When he said, "EK?" I believe that was his way of asking, "Is your Civic Si a 6th gen Civic?"
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,443
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From: Rochester, New York -> Santa Clara, CA
Re: Noob Question? Full synthetic oil (NOFX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NOFX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Straight from the Honda Service manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
D16Y7
3.3 qt for oil change without filter
3.6 qt for oil change including filter
4.3 qt for engine overhaul
D16Y5 and D16Y8
3.0 qt for oil change without filter
3.3 qt for oil change including filter
3.7 qt for engine overhaul
<FONT COLOR="red">B16A2
3.7 qt for oil change without filter
4.0 qt for oil change including filter
4.8 qt for engine overhaul</FONT>
Might as well add this here too.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
D16Y5 and D16Y7 and D16Y8 (S40)
1.8 qt for fluid change
1.9 qt for overhaul
B16A2 (S4C)
2.2 qt for fluid change
2.3 qt for overhaul
And since there seems to be confusion, here is the actual page (compiled into one image).
That's too much.
That's too much.
That's not enough.
That's right.
Well, if he didn't change the filter he put in 1.3 qt too much. If he did a filter change, he still put a quart too much in. That's a lot when it's only supposed to take 4 quarts to begin with. That's 125% of what it's designed to take.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm like 99.99% sure you're getting liters and quarts mixed up.
I read 4.2 quarts/4.0 liters.
When it tells you the capacity, it says "Liters (US Qts, Imperial Qts)"
Think you mean to look at the first number in the parenthesis, not the first number.
I do believe it's 4.2qts, like i said, not 4.0. I could be wrong though I don't think so.
PS: Conversions confirm, 4.2qts = 3.975L
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rainy City »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The guy said after 5 quarts he was right on the money. How the hell is that bad for the engine. I ran my oil a little past the mark before, I felt absolutely no difference in time it took the engine to warm up. I live in Seattle, 34*F average in the winter. Your logic makes sense but you're blowing it out of proportion.
Do you also ignore the fact that if you're on the low mark, you are 1 quart low on oil? By running it below that you risk damaging your engine (exact words from a former Master Tech that teaches Automotive Technology). On some engines yes you do run the risk of burning the extra oil, I've seen it done. Yes there is extra drag on the motor but no way should he take out 1 quart of oil to make it 4.2 or whatever it may be. IT SHOULD BE AT THE MARK. period.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I kinda drifted off what I was trying to say there. My point was supposed to be the viscosity of oil, cold vs hot weights. You have more oil it takes longer to warm up - oil that's too heavy isn't going to lubricate well.
Engine Oil Capacity:
D16Y7
3.3 qt for oil change without filter
3.6 qt for oil change including filter
4.3 qt for engine overhaul
D16Y5 and D16Y8
3.0 qt for oil change without filter
3.3 qt for oil change including filter
3.7 qt for engine overhaul
<FONT COLOR="red">B16A2
3.7 qt for oil change without filter
4.0 qt for oil change including filter
4.8 qt for engine overhaul</FONT>
Might as well add this here too.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
D16Y5 and D16Y7 and D16Y8 (S40)
1.8 qt for fluid change
1.9 qt for overhaul
B16A2 (S4C)
2.2 qt for fluid change
2.3 qt for overhaul
And since there seems to be confusion, here is the actual page (compiled into one image).
That's too much.
That's too much.
That's not enough.
That's right.
Well, if he didn't change the filter he put in 1.3 qt too much. If he did a filter change, he still put a quart too much in. That's a lot when it's only supposed to take 4 quarts to begin with. That's 125% of what it's designed to take.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm like 99.99% sure you're getting liters and quarts mixed up.
I read 4.2 quarts/4.0 liters.
When it tells you the capacity, it says "Liters (US Qts, Imperial Qts)"
Think you mean to look at the first number in the parenthesis, not the first number.
I do believe it's 4.2qts, like i said, not 4.0. I could be wrong though I don't think so.
PS: Conversions confirm, 4.2qts = 3.975L
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rainy City »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The guy said after 5 quarts he was right on the money. How the hell is that bad for the engine. I ran my oil a little past the mark before, I felt absolutely no difference in time it took the engine to warm up. I live in Seattle, 34*F average in the winter. Your logic makes sense but you're blowing it out of proportion.
Do you also ignore the fact that if you're on the low mark, you are 1 quart low on oil? By running it below that you risk damaging your engine (exact words from a former Master Tech that teaches Automotive Technology). On some engines yes you do run the risk of burning the extra oil, I've seen it done. Yes there is extra drag on the motor but no way should he take out 1 quart of oil to make it 4.2 or whatever it may be. IT SHOULD BE AT THE MARK. period.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I kinda drifted off what I was trying to say there. My point was supposed to be the viscosity of oil, cold vs hot weights. You have more oil it takes longer to warm up - oil that's too heavy isn't going to lubricate well.