Synthetic Oil Change? - Honda Prelude Forum

BionicKris · 06-13-2007, 11:27 PM

Hey guys and gals. My 'Lude is a '92 Si I purchased brand new in July'92. From the beginning I have used conventional 5W30 oil, and I'm at 145,000 miles. I was considering trying a synthetic or synthetic blend at my next oil change, as long as I won't be hurting anything. Some articles I have read mentioned leakage at some of the gaskets, but I don't know if this is bull***t.

Synthetics are much more expensive, but I wonder if there is any performance advantage other than the increased acceleration due to my lighter purse. Brand suggestions, changes in oil weight, or the full synthetic/synthetic blend opinions are welcome. If I should scrap the idea- tell me that also. I figured I'd come to the best minds in the Prelude world for this one. Thanks!

Kris

petern101 · 06-13-2007, 11:33 PM

for a high mileage car like that...

i don't think switching might "gain" anything for you. you are tracking the car are you? My suggestion would be to just stick with what you normally use or buy "high mileage formulas"

btw, if you want some more analysis, just do a blackstone report (search it)

Artifex · 06-13-2007, 11:39 PM

I, and many others, have had great success with Auto-Rx. It's an engine oil-carried cleaner, and it rocks. I highly suggest running it.
http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

For H22 motors, I had good success running the high-mileage labeled regular oils, because the motor burned a lot less oil those times. I ran Amsoil synthetic for nearly all the car's life, and the H22 definitely runs great on that. Be aware though, that most synthetic oils tend to burn faster in the H22, so you have to be a lot more on top of keeping the oil level up.

ark86 · 06-14-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artifex

I, and many others, have had great success with Auto-Rx. It's an engine oil-carried cleaner, and it rocks. I highly suggest running it.
http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

For H22 motors, I had good success running the high-mileage labeled regular oils, because the motor burned a lot less oil those times. I ran Amsoil synthetic for nearly all the car's life, and the H22 definitely runs great on that. Be aware though, that most synthetic oils tend to burn faster in the H22, so you have to be a lot more on top of keeping the oil level up.

+1. I only ran my car for ~3,000 miles on conventional before switching to 5w-30 Mobil 1. I didn't notice it burning any of the conventional, but I go through almost a quart every 3,000 miles now with the 5w-30 synthetic. I check my oil once a week if not more.

BionicKris · 06-15-2007, 12:32 AM

Thanks for the info, guys. I didn't think there would be any real performance advantage running the synthetic, but I didn't know if it had any protective qualities over conventional oils. My ride is only street driven, but I want to keep it running this well for as long as possible. The oils I primarily use are Valvoline or Castrol GTX 5W30.

The Valvoline sold me years back when I purchased an '84 VW GTI. When I got it home I drained and changed all the fluids including the oil and filter. The oil I drained out was pretty nasty and the valve covers were thick with goop inside, despite meticulous records and receipts for all services done at the VW dealer. The oil used by the dealership was Quaker State, but I used the Valvoline I had at home.

I ran the car with the new oil 3-4 weeks then changed the oil and filter again to flush the crap out, and it cleaned up FAR better then I ever imagined. Afterward, I popped off the valve covers to check them and they looked like they had been powerwashed inside- they were so clean. Since then I stayed with the Valvoline but also occasionally use Castrol GTX.

Since I'm due to purchase a new case of oil I thought I'd ask the pros here before I buy to find out your opinions on the synthetics. I wasn't aware of the fact that it burns faster than the regular stuff, which is a good thing to know.

So I think I'll check out the high mileage formulas, and pick up some of the Auto-Rx Artifex mentioned- extra protection is a good thing.

Thanks again for the info.
Kris