What oil to use?

[spetz]

I am really confused as to what oil to put into my car.

I always use Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic and buy the "cheaper" version of 5-50 (or 10-50, can't remember).
The weather now is getting quite cold. Day time would be low teens if not colder and night time it may be + 2 to about + 4 degrees, and the coldest it will get overnight will be -2 or so.
Also being a high revving engine, what weight oil should I put?
I assume generally by oil temp once fully warmed will be around 50-80 degrees depending on outside temperatures.

I am happy with Mobil and will continue to use their range I am really wanting to know though what grade of oil to use
Engine is a 6A12 MIVEC from an FTO.

Any help would be great!

[jamchen]

well in my opinion, at least you live in areas that snow does fall,,, i don't think there will be much difference between 0w and 5w... either 30 or 40 will be fine tho :D
just just be careful don't get oil that's too thick.... coz in majority honda engines have a quite a high compression ratio so thick oils will lacking the engine's performance! just my 0.02 :o

[spetz]

So a thick oil is something like???

And it doesn't snow here! I'm in canberra!

[Weq]

5w30 castrol synthetic R

[Limbo]

yeah 5w30 is good you can also get Redline in that, Mobil 1, royal purple, Motul.
Those are the main ones but can be quite expensive.

If you want an average one you can get original Honda FEO oil for under $30

[jamchen]

So a thick oil is something like???

And it doesn't snow here! I'm in canberra!

something over 10w or 15w would be a little bit too thick for honda engines....
i am taking my car for service next tuesday and going to try motul 8100 full syu 5w-40... and i am expecting better things as i paid around 65 for that oil :D but will see....

[flyhonda]

so this is for ur MIVEC engine? but then i dont think that the oil matters..but i would recommend. Ive used the Super Syn one..i think its the one below the cheaper mobil 1 and that is great..never had a problem and stuff.

[h22a accord]

i use honda oil. i cant see why there would be anything wrong with it.

[h22a accord]

just just be careful don't get oil that's too thick.... coz in majority honda engines have a quite a high compression ratio so thick oils will lacking the engine's performance! just my 0.02 :o

You will find that compression ratio has nothing to do with what type of oil you should use......compression ratio and fuel quality does.


Anyway, honda's use thin oil becuae the tolerances of the engine are very high and using thick oil will inhibit the ability for the engine to lubricate its self.

[DomenEK]

Have a look in the workshop manual - it will tell you what grade oil to use according to the average ambient temperature.

You might be able to find a copy online.

[Limbo]

so this is for ur MIVEC engine? but then i dont think that the oil matters..but i would recommend. Ive used the Super Syn one..i think its the one below the cheaper mobil 1 and that is great..never had a problem and stuff.

Hondas use VTEC no MIVEC, the Super Syn oil from Mobil is for a 15-50w rating. Alittle thick for Hondas.

Hondas do recommend 10-30w rating. You will notice the engine will use more fuel if you use a different rating.

[aaronng]

I've been checking up on engine oils. Surprisingly, the Mobile 1 0W50 is a bit thick for current engines, unless you are using a racing engine. If your engine is in good shape, try Castrol R 5W30 synthetic. If it is a bit worn, you can try Shell Helix plus 15W40.

[smoknhothonda]

I think you are either referring to the Mobil 1 0W-40 aaroonng? or do you mean the 5W-50???

Both of these oils are fine to use in your Honda, the Castrol R synthetic 0w-40 or 5W-30 is suitable also (both of these oils shit over the Honda oils in terms of power, protection and fuel economy)

Motul, Fuchs, Castrol, Mobil, Royal purple etc supply synthetic grade oils that are far superior to any mineral oils. You pay extra for the initial fill up, but damn it makes a big difference! Your car idles smoother, uses less fuel, and makes more power.

In sum its a no brainer mod for more power and makes driving your car between gears smoother :thumbsup:

[aaronng]

Yeah, you might be right on the 5W50. It's the one with the gold sticker, SuperSyn. I'll be switching to Castrol 5W30 at the next service in 5 months time.

[Limbo]

mobil make the 5-30 also in Mobil 1 only thing is you got to buy in bottles of 1 ltr. Its more expensive also than your off the shelf 5-50w. Only a few places stock them as they are expensive

[spetz]

hmmm...
I am still confused!
To my knowledge 5w50 means how thick the oil is on cold and on hot temps
So what is best?
As far as engine condition goes... it's hard to say it was from a front cut but looks clean, runs like new???

[zco]

i stick with the legit
genuine honda oil

[aaronng]

hmmm...
I am still confused!
To my knowledge 5w50 means how thick the oil is on cold and on hot temps
So what is best?
As far as engine condition goes... it's hard to say it was from a front cut but looks clean, runs like new???
5W50 - The 5 means it is the same viscosity as SAE5 monograde oil at 0 degrees C. The 2nd number, 50 means it has the same viscosity as SAE50 at 100 degrees C. Remember that it is a relative comparison, not absolute. Hence, Mobil 1 probably has almost the same viscosity at 0 degrees and 100degrees C. Honda recommends 10W30, so if you are in colder climates close to 0 degrees (which is almost all of us here in Aus during winter), then the first number is important, so we have to stick close to "10", with an allowance of 1 grade up or down. Then, the 2nd digit is at 100 degrees, which is what we will experience close to anyway when the engine bay is hot. Honda recommends 30, so the Mobil 1's 50 might be too viscous. 50 is not bad, it'll just increase fuel consumption, but at the same time will help seal any leakages around the piston rings and other parts.

[jamchen]

5W50 - The 5 means it is the same viscosity as SAE5 monograde oil at 0 degrees C. The 2nd number, 50 means it has the same viscosity as SAE50 at 100 degrees C. Remember that it is a relative comparison, not absolute. Hence, Mobil 1 probably has almost the same viscosity at 0 degrees and 100degrees C. Honda recommends 10W30, so if you are in colder climates close to 0 degrees (which is almost all of us here in Aus during winter), then the first number is important, so we have to stick close to "10", with an allowance of 1 grade up or down. Then, the 2nd digit is at 100 degrees, which is what we will experience close to anyway when the engine bay is hot. Honda recommends 30, so the Mobil 1's 50 might be too viscous. 50 is not bad, it'll just increase fuel consumption, but at the same time will help seal any leakages around the piston rings and other parts.

very nice detailed explaination! you learn something everyday :thumbsup:
just changed my oil to motul 8100 5w-40 full syn.... and yes you can feel the difference straight i drove out the service dep. engine reponses a bit quicker than before and was amazed that it down shifted from 3rd to 1st ( similar condition and speed, it never happened before ;) ) when i step fully on gas

[aaronng]

The reason I'm doing all this research on engine oil, is because I found a huge 40x30cm flyer on my car windscreen when I brought it in for service. It says "Protected by Castrol Lubricants". I thought: "Hmm, if they are using castrol and charging me $42 for it, then it had better be full synthetic, otherwise I'll be bringing in my own oil".
Next service I'll try Castrol Formula R 5W30

[dundas]

I don't know what oil to use now :S--
genuine honda?
shell?
castrol?
arghhh
motul?

Ok i basiclly drive my car smoothe but like to give it vtec in 1st n 2nd :D
wat should i use?

[NTR16N]

im sure with have had a few threads on oil in the past couple of months...
i think it got down to mobile one 5w50 or genuine honda oil... vtec or not... hittin it or drivin like a granny... if u service ur car regularly i dun fink u shuld have a problem...

me... im still using mobile one.. thinkin of switchin to honda oil though..

[jamchen]

just changed oil to motul 8100 5w-40 full syn and now the engine reponses better ( or maybe my imagination?) well because i take longer than 6 month for service so i put in full syu for longer oil life

[dundas]

mmz.. how much does motul cost?

[Limbo]

motul is bout $15 a litre? can't rem exactly its not cheap.
It also depends on which one you get also they have a few versions with the same viscosity.

Look if its that confusing just change to a different oil every 5000km and you will see which one is better. You will usually feel the diff.

Just one tip always use full synethic oils as they are generally better.
Also rem to drain fully on each change

[mute]

I just bought some 10w40 Mobil Synthetic today, $29 for 5 litres

[yfin]

The reason I'm doing all this research on engine oil, is because I found a huge 40x30cm flyer on my car windscreen when I brought it in for service. It says "Protected by Castrol Lubricants". I thought: "Hmm, if they are using castrol and charging me $42 for it, then it had better be full synthetic, otherwise I'll be bringing in my own oil".
Next service I'll try Castrol Formula R 5W30

Hi Aarong - the 5w30 Formula R is not 100% synthetic.

Only the more expensive 0w40 is 100% syn.

I have used both in the euro - the 5w30 revs amazingly well. I am using the 0w40 at the moment .

[kenshin]

mobil for me...

[V205]

yfin,

How long did you leave the 5w30 Formula R in the engine?

How does the 0w40 full synth compare to the 5w30 semi synth?




Hi Aarong - the 5w30 Formula R is not 100% synthetic.

Only the more expensive 0w40 is 100% syn.

I have used both in the euro - the 5w30 revs amazingly well. I am using the 0w40 at the moment .

[smoknhothonda]

YFIN I think you will find that the 5w-30 is indeed a full synthetic....

Castrol also produce a 10W-60 that is a full synthetic oil also, but this is suitable for track cars mainly.

I am currently using Castrol 0W-40 in my accord, and while I must admit it is better then the Mobil 1 (5W-50) Fuchs Titan GT1 oil is far superior with more power, better fuel consumption, early morning cold startups are better also.

But like anything you get what you pay for Titan GT1 is around $120 for 5L (but it lasts 15000kays)

[yfin]

YFIN I think you will find that the 5w-30 is indeed a full synthetic....


Nah - just clever marketing. I wish it was 100% syn as it is cheap at $40.

Look at http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetailmin.do?categoryId=8000007&contentId=6008978

See how they refer to it as synthetic? Yet the 0w40 (click below) is referred to as FULL synthetic. Sounds like the 5w30 is a blend to me. I am happy to be proven wrong as it would be a good buy if it was 100% syn.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetailmin.do?categoryId=8000005&contentId=6032084

[yfin]

yfin,

How long did you leave the 5w30 Formula R in the engine?

How does the 0w40 full synth compare to the 5w30 semi synth?.

I loved the 5w30 as the car revved so fast. The downside was the VTEC rattle was more likely to appear using this oil. I had it in the car for 7500kms.

The 0w40 is similar to the 5w30 but the engine doesn't rev as fast. I prefer the 0w40 as I am led to believe it is full syn compared to the 5w30 (see post above).

[aaronng]

Hmm, interesting yfin, I also noticed the price difference of $42-45 compared to $65-69.

Anyone can give info on where to buy Motul and Fuchs oils?

I still haven't called the dealer to find out what oil they put into my car. It's a Castrol, but I'm not sure which type.

[bennjamin]

silly question.

is it really worth that extra $30ish per oil change for full synthetic ? ( more if you dont service yourself!)

I have and will always use FEO - seems to do the trick !

[aaronng]

silly question.

is it really worth that extra $30ish per oil change for full synthetic ? ( more if you dont service yourself!)

I have and will always use FEO - seems to do the trick !
The problem is that not all dealers use FEO. Like my dealer for example. They do sell FEO at the spare parts, but during regular service, they put in Castrol. And for that service, they are charging $42 for the oil. If I can get a synthetic or semisyn for that same price, isn't it better to do so?

[bennjamin]

The problem is that not all dealers use FEO. Like my dealer for example. They do sell FEO at the spare parts, but during regular service, they put in Castrol. And for that service, they are charging $42 for the oil. If I can get a synthetic or semisyn for that same price, isn't it better to do so?

Well , let me alter my example - I DIY oil change and service - costing $25 for oil only. For another $30ish i can have full-synthetic oil ....but for double the price per DIY service , is full-synthetic worth the price ? Longevity issues at all ?

[Spunkymonkey]

I use the Castrol R 5 30 now. Haven't had any problems. Mobil 1 is like $65 and even the Shell Helix has gone up a bit. I found that using the Mobil 1 burnt a lot. I also couldn't justify paying $15 - 20 a litre for the 0 40 mobil 1 stuff as well. Especially considering I get oil changes done quite a few times a year.

[smoknhothonda]

Hmm that is interesting Yfin, but I still think it is a full synthetic oil. If you look at the castrol R I think its the 25W-60 or something crazy like that for old ford/holden V8's they state that it is a synthetic blend.......

I use to use Fuchs GTO 10W/30 in my car and I use to buy that for $32 for 5L, so the price for the castrol 5W-30 is pretty reasonable.

Bennjamin I presume you have never used a full synthetic before?? Mate it is worth every cent seriously! You can feel the difference as soon as you turn the key, the engine idles a lot smoother, and cranks over easier also. I use to get around 260-270 kays per half a tank with the honda mineral oil, I now get around 290-300 with the full synthetic (if you do the maths you pretty much get the extra $30 for syn oil back in fuel savings)

Give it a try, everyone I have recommended it to, have been surprised with the results, and wont be going back to the mineral oil.

[racinghonda]

The problem is that not all dealers use FEO. Like my dealer for example. They do sell FEO at the spare parts, but during regular service, they put in Castrol. And for that service, they are charging $42 for the oil. If I can get a synthetic or semisyn for that same price, isn't it better to do so?

FEO is Castrol oil anyway. FEO is just the packaging.

[aaronng]

Well , let me alter my example - I DIY oil change and service - costing $25 for oil only. For another $30ish i can have full-synthetic oil ....but for double the price per DIY service , is full-synthetic worth the price ? Longevity issues at all ?
Ahhh, I see. Then you are right. There not much incentive to pay double for full synthetic, especially when you don't have longevity issues.

For me, I'm trying to minimise my getting ripped off by the dealer. I can't avoid it 100%, but maybe I can soften the blow.

[aaronng]

FEO is Castrol oil anyway. FEO is just the packaging.
Yeah, but which Castrol oil?

[CRX-Ando]

I'm paying around $85 for the Motul 300V range but as opposed to concluding it as an expensive exercise, I consider it an investment towards prolonging & maintaining the optimum condition of my boosted VTEC...

[raziel]

feo is made by the oil company (yes I think it is made by castrol) to the honda specifications (its not exactly the same as any castrol oil - but it may be close to something they sell aftermarket) ... we do the same thing with our own branded oil (repco) its made by mobil to our requirements

by the way , my accord (SOHC VTEC) uses mobil 1 5-50 - going strong
my old commodore did 1000000km on mobil 1 5-50 , actually its still in my garage and still runs perfectly apart from a little valve stem wear (due to unleaded fuel)
if I was running a euro or similar (DOHC VTEC) i'd probably run the 0-40 or something around the 5-30 or 5-40 in a full synthetic

:)

[aaronng]

Did you advertise your oil as Repco or Mobil? The dealer was advertising it as Castrol instead of Honda....

But I'll give 5W30 Castrol a try. It's quite cheap anyway.

[aaronng]

feo is made by the oil company (yes I think it is made by castrol) to the honda specifications (its not exactly the same as any castrol oil - but it may be close to something they sell aftermarket) ... we do the same thing with our own branded oil (repco) its made by mobil to our requirements

by the way , my accord (SOHC VTEC) uses mobil 1 5-50 - going strong
my old commodore did 1000000km on mobil 1 5-50 , actually its still in my garage and still runs perfectly apart from a little valve stem wear (due to unleaded fuel)
if I was running a euro or similar (DOHC VTEC) i'd probably run the 0-40 or something around the 5-30 or 5-40 in a full synthetic

:)
Just called the dealer. THey use Castrol all right. Castrol Magnatec. SHIT! Going to bring my own Castrol Formula R next service in November.

[Andi]

I use Castrol R 10W-60 although its abit more expensive. The R 5W-30 looks like a good choice though.

[aaronng]

Yeah, I'm trying to stick close to the recommended 10W30. So 5W30 up to 10W40 for me. I read that R 5W30 is not full syn though unlike 10W60. But no matter since the oil is changed every 6 months.

[raziel]

Did you advertise your oil as Repco or Mobil? The dealer was advertising it as Castrol instead of Honda....

But I'll give 5W30 Castrol a try. It's quite cheap anyway.

we advertise it as repco branded not mobil ( they just happen to make it )

you will find that many dealers/automotive workshops buy their oil in bulk from the oil companies (castrol,valvoline,pennzoil,mobil etc) in many cases it is the same oil that is available in the retail packaged 5 litre packs - but sometimes it can be a bulk oil specifically made for the trade - this doesn't mean its a cheap nasty crap oil , usually its really good stuff (castrol do some full synthetic bulk only oils they only sell to the trade - very similar to formula r 5w-30 from memory ) that costs a fortune - thats why sometimes oil can seem expensive to buy when you see the bill from the dealer ...

if the dealer was advertising it as castrol , you'll find he buys the magnatec in bulk from castrol - for a mineral based oil it actually isn't that bad ...
as for your 5w-30 make sure you buy the castrol formula r 5w-30 synthetic as there was a mineral based 5w-30 (don't think it was called formula r) they used to have which was a lot cheaper

[aaronng]

if the dealer was advertising it as castrol , you'll find he buys the magnatec in bulk from castrol - for a mineral based oil it actually isn't that bad ...
as for your 5w-30 make sure you buy the castrol formula r 5w-30 synthetic as there was a mineral based 5w-30 (don't think it was called formula r) they used to have which was a lot cheaper
Yup, that's the one I'm looking at. Formula R 5W30. Quite reasonably priced. Same as what the dealer charges for Magnatec (except that they use probably only 4L)