Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

5w-30w or 10w-30w ?

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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 07:52 AM
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Default 5w-30w or 10w-30w ?

5w-30w or 10w-30w ? what do u use?
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 07:58 AM
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i use 5w-30
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 04:08 PM
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Depends. It's just a weight difference.

One thing to keep in mind is your evelvation. The lower your elevation lighter weight you should use and vis versa for higher elevation.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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where you live also matters ... for example in extremely cold locations you need heavier weight oil to avoid freezing ...
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 04:31 PM
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So what does the manual say....

Or the oil cap?
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 06:46 PM
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Default Re: (TheMuffinMan)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TheMuffinMan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So what does the manual say....

Or the oil cap?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Indeed. Go with what the manual recommends. Since it seems like the OP lives in Los Angeles, the manual will probably tell him that he can use either oil, since the temperatures in LA are so mild.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 06:56 PM
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Default Re: (TheMuffinMan)

I use 5w-30 I think as that's what the manual calls for. The oil cap also lists it. I have a couple cases of Royal Purple as I buy them by the case and run in each car what it calls for. The truck takes one thing, the Chevy and 96 Accord take one thing, and the newer 06 Accord calls for another. That's why I can't remember for sure which one takes which although I'm pretty sure the Accord is 5w-30.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 07:03 PM
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Default Re: (hometheaterman)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hometheaterman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I use 5w-30 I think as that's what the manual calls for. The oil cap also lists it. I have a couple cases of Royal Purple as I buy them by the case and run in each car what it calls for. The truck takes one thing, the Chevy and 96 Accord take one thing, and the newer 06 Accord calls for another. That's why I can't remember for sure which one takes which although I'm pretty sure the Accord is 5w-30. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 05:16 AM
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Default Re: 5w-30w or 10w-30w ? (crazyguy)

moved to the 92-00 Civic forum
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 06:10 AM
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Default Re: 5w-30w or 10w-30w ? (TouringAccord)

I use 10w30 in my Honda. ('97 EJ8 (EX), stock, just bolt-ons).
Used 10w30 in my last Civic ('95 EJ1 (EX), stock, just bolt-ons) as well.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 03:17 PM
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I use 20w50 in one and 10w30 in my other sol.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 03:23 PM
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Default Re: (150sol)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 150sol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I use 20w50 in one and 10w30 in my other sol.</TD></TR></TABLE>

20w50 is very thick for a 1.6L motor.

I use 10w40 on my tercel, but that's just because it's burning oil and I want to reduce the amount it burns, but a 5E-FE doesn't rev high, Honda motors do (more-so, anyways).

20w50 is a bit on the "not recommended" side due to its weight.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 03:34 PM
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Default Re: (FunnyVictor86)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FunnyVictor86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">where you live also matters ... for example in extremely cold locations you need heavier weight oil to avoid freezing ... </TD></TR></TABLE>


In almost 38 years of driving and changing my own oil, this is the first time I ever heard that.

I use 10w-30 in the summer time and 5w30 in the winter. Pretty much in all the engines except the Diesel.

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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 03:45 PM
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Default Re: (1992Si)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1992Si &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


In almost 38 years of driving and changing my own oil, this is the first time I ever heard that.

I use 10w-30 in the summer time and 5w30 in the winter. Pretty much in all the engines except the Diesel.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

You live in CT, now I know because that's right next to where I live (NY) it doesn't get that cold there.

Try Montana and the like where it gets to -40*F - where there's block heaters at every hotel and house.

Hate to break it to you, but in your 38 years of driving and changing your own oil, you didn't learn about the rest of the country. Out west, where it's colder, you can't even turn off some diesels due to the temperature, you have to let them idle all night or the oil will gel.

So yes, where you live does matter. In Florida, AZ, CA, etc., they need not worry about any of that.

Even here, in NY, some people put thinner oil in for the winter. The same applies if it's always hot or always cold, than here, where it's either-or.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:01 PM
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Default Re: (Syndacate)

Yea, but it's a dry cold, lol

Now that you mention it, yes I remember hearing about the diesel running all night.

I know in the old radial aircraft engines they would put fuel in the oil before shut down in colder climits so the oil was thinner on cold start up.

But hey, the OP lives in CA
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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Default Re: (FunnyVictor86)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FunnyVictor86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">where you live also matters ... for example in extremely cold locations you need heavier weight oil to avoid freezing ... </TD></TR></TABLE>

Incorrect. Oil becomes thicker when cold, therefore you would want a lighter weight oil in cold climates.

I run 5w-30 all the time.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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Default Re: (grandtheftlunchbox)

what he said but just run 5-30 in a colder climate the thicker oil gets 2 thick to flow its like putting molasses in ur motor
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:41 PM
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Default Re: (grandtheftlunchbox)

Yeah oil becomes thicker when cold. One time I started my quad up in the AM in the desert on a bitter cold morning and watched the sight glass. Oil sat there like pudding for a quite a while.

Hence you would run *thinner* oil in cold climates, not thicker.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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Default Re: (grandtheftlunchbox)

As far as running thicker in hot climate, once the oil is flowing hot its down to molecules. Not sure how much difference heavier oil will make as far as protection. There may be a difference in flow to the bearings. I stick with what is recommended by the manufacturer. If you're using thicker oil to make up for wear and leaks its time for a rebuild.

Also, synthetic is well worth the additional cost imo.
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