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an oil question


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spartadrive_in
User

Jun 12, 2008, 11:39 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1658 views)
an oil question Sign In

2001 Honda Accord EX Sedan 4-cyl. Manual Trans

The manual recommends 5W-20 Premium.

My question is that since this car is 7 years old now with a mileage of 108K is it recommened to go with a thicker oil? Say a 10W-20 or 30?
I was told that since it is older it requires a thicker grade. This has got me wondering since I have a possible oil leak in my system (see my other post, please).
So what would be a general guideline for these things?

It currently has 5W-20 in there now.

Thanks again!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 12, 2008, 12:06 PM

Post #2 of 4 (1655 views)
Re: an oil question Sign In

I suggest staying with recommended oil and quality. I'd go further and use synthetics still despite the up front expense I swear over the life of the oil change it pays back in saved fuel never mind credible claims of less wear on the engine.

Those lower vis oils use less gas. If the leak is substantial it still would only slow a bit with higher vis oil and should be fixed,

T



spartadrive_in
User

Jun 12, 2008, 2:03 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1649 views)
Re: an oil question Sign In

OK. Then since I am going through oil a lot more because of this leak then should I use an oil with a thicker viscosity in order to slow it down until I find the leak and get it repaired?

That leads me to another question: Is it OK to mix oils of different viscosity? or brands for that matter??

Thank you.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 12, 2008, 2:37 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1643 views)
Re: an oil question Sign In

Oils intended for use in gasoline automobiles will mix, viscosities, conventional or synthetic - read lablel that they meet the SAE standards and they should work.

Higher viscosity would usually tend to leak slower depending on what's leaking. Oil leak and high consumption is not really normal especially in most newer cars and yours is known to do well in this regard.

It's not just the cost of buying oil but more important that it not run low enough for an oil pressure warning as damage will begin at once if the case.

Site sponsor is Amsoil which is synthetic and a fine oil. I also like Mobil 1 and other synthetics are probably worth the extra money as well.

This is not to say the conventional oils are bad at all. I simply know from decades of use now that synthetics fair better against heat and the tendandacy to sludge - a killer.

Claims of increased fuel economy due to less friction is a very real and Mobil at least has had the "canolis" to put a cent's per gallon equivalent savings on thier new 0-30 and flat out states "meets or exceeds all requirements of 5-30 or 10-30" !!

Just this year I used it in a 12.5 HP pull start engine and clearly noted right away that it's easier to pull start especially when cold is pretty good evidence for me.

With extreme service higher vis oils have done well such as service vehicles. At this point it's your call,

T







 
 
 






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