Engine Oil, Coolant and etc.

[coolson]

Hi all,

I got the car 1998 civic vtir. But I think it needs a major service. I am wonder what engine oil, coolant, filter to use? any recommandation?

Cheers!

[EuroDude]

Everyone has their own preferences, but I go for:

Oil: Mobile Synth S or Mobil 1
Transmision: Sometimes Honda MTX, sometimes just normal engine oil (Mobile Synth S)
Coolant: Shell pre-mixed coolant
Filters: Always use Honda Filters, except for the Air Filter which is a cleanable K&N.
Spark Plugs: honda sparkies
Brakes fluid: Honda (other brands cause damage!)
Power Steering Fluid: Honda (other brands cause damage!)

[coolson]

Thanks for your reply Eurodude,

Can I get those stuff on a street? I am from Sydney.

[DomenEK]

I just changed the oil, filter and spark plugs on my civic hte other weekend.

I use:

Oil: Mobil 1
Oil Filter: K&N oil filter
Air filter: K&N panel filter
Spark plugs: NGK plugs
All other fluids + consumables: Honda oem.

If the car is stock, then it's advisable to stay with the Honda oem stuff. If you do want to treat it a little bit, then go for a fully synthetic oil (like Mobil 1) and better filters (like the K&N ones), and the spark plugs could be upgraded to NGK iridium or similar, but for all other fluids, etc. stick with the Honda stuff.

[coolson]

Would that be possible getting the honda OEM stuff on a street?

[EuroDude]

Yes you can get the Honda stuff off the street, you can usually get them at Honda car dealers.

I get mine at Col Crawford in Brookvale, but there should be a closer one where you are.

Their number is 99411200 (brookvale)

[SPEEDCORE]

But I think it needs a major service.

What KMs on the clock?

Timming Belt might be due. While your there consider the water pump also.

[DomenEK]

Would that be possible getting the honda OEM stuff on a street?

Yep. You just waltz up to your local Honda service centre, go to the spare parts desk and ask for what you need.

[wynode]

OEM = almost half the price of mobil 1 and is fine for daily driving

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15720

[coolson]

Thanks guys for all the info.

just wondering why changhing the timing belt also need to change the water pump?

my car is on 115000kms.... i will need to change the timing belt...

[Slow96GSR]

Sometimes it's easier to just swap the water pump out because then you don't have to have it retimed if it goes out later. It's a precautionary measure too. Sucks to lose a water pump right after you just did the timing belt and could have done it and save a little bit on labor.

[EuroDude]

Yes, you are supposed to change it every 100,000km. If you dont, you risk serious damage to the engine.

Change the water pump at the same time since its cheaper to do both at once, and because you need to take off the timing belt to change the water pump anyway, plus the water pump also needs to be replaced often.

[Slow96GSR]

... plus the water pump also needs to be replaced often.

Might want to elaborate on what often means!! Might take it to mean every oil change or new motor!! Just a note!

[coolson]

O thanks for the tips. I will get my mechanic to do the water pump as well. thanks for the nice tips! any other thing i need to do for my car?

[EuroDude]

Might want to elaborate on what often means!! Might take it to mean every oil change or new motor!! Just a note!

True that. All I know is they dont last forever, and that you should change the pump when you get the timing belt changed. So logically this means the pump should be changed every 100,000km as well ;)


Then again, my civic's water pump lasted 200,000km, but better safe than sorry :)

[89civic]

so what will ugrading from oem filters to say, K&N do?

[EuroDude]

For the K&N air filter, you wont need to replace it when its dirty, instead it comes with special detergent and oil to clean it instead which saves money in the long run. Plus you get better air flow which may result in a few extra HP and better throttle response.

[89civic]

what about the oil filters?

[bennjamin]

what about the oil filters?

stick with OEM honda filters IMO. Likeiwse , stick with all OEM fluids + parts .
Only use aftermarket if you plan to track the car etc ...