6th/7th Gens- which oil viscosity are you using?

[according2me]

Since '01 Honda has recommended 5W20 oil for their engines. Earlier in the 6th Gen (same engines) they recommended 5W30. In previous Gens, I believe 5w30 or 10w30 was the recommendation. I'm curious what people have decided to use in their later model Accords (in or out of warranty).

I used 5w20 for the first 10K and then switched to 5w30(synth) for the next 70K or so. Lately I'm back using Pennz 5w20 (currently $1.29 @Pepboys).

The API SM/GF4 oils are starting to hit the local shelves, but I'll continue using my SL/GF3 I have stocked in my garage until I get to see a couple of UOAs on the "oilguys" site.

[BenjiBoy650]

I'm using 5W30 but that's what's recommended in mine. Odyssey's have been using 0W20 - I don't know how much lower you can get than that!

One question for ya, you mentioned the API SM oil is starting to get to the stores, is it alright to mix oils with different API ratings? I've got about a quart and a half of API SL left and don't wanna waste it but I don't think I'm going to find any more of it.

[benjamming]

You will have no problems mixing API SL & SM oils. As a general rule, I stay away from mixing brands though.

I have used 0W30 until about 27k miles. I am now using 5W20.

What is interesting is that Honda is now recommending 5W20 oil for all 6th generation Accords. Of course some of those same vehicles have 5W30 recommended in their owner's manual.

[according2me]

Ford did the same thing a couple of years ago. They came up with a list of previous model year engines that they recommended could use the 5w20.

Did Honda post the retroactive list on their site?

[benjamming]

I don't know about the website, but one of my local Honda parts department has a layout showing all fluids recommended for several years. The 5W20 bar graph starts at 1998.

[ktnr]

Have a look at the EPA’s web site below and read over manufacturers letter CCD-00-06 from June 26, 2000.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/dearmfr/mfrltrs3.htm

The letter from the EPA discusses how Ford (in September, 1999) and Honda (in March, 2000) asked permission to use 5W20 oil in fuel economy test vehicles. The EPA granted permission under the eight detailed conditions outlined in the letter. Among those conditions were that:

“1) The Manufacturer provides instructions in the Owner’s Manual that clearly and unambiguously identify 5W20 GF-3 non-synthetic engine oil as the oil which is to be used in the vehicle’s engine…and…inclusion of any qualifier word….associated with the oil viscosity is considered to introduce ambiguity into the instruction, and disqualifies the use of 5W20 engine oil in test vehicles…

2) The manufacturer clearly indicates on the engine oil filler cap…that 5W20 engine oil is to be used in the engine.”

The EPA policy for engine oil viscosity used in fuel efficiency test vehicles was updated for the 2005 model-year in EPA letter CCD-04-07, dated March, 2004. The only substantive change was the switch from GF-3 spec oil to GF-4

[RTexasF]

I went to Mobil 1 0w20 at 3500 miles and change it at 7500-8000 mile intervals.

[stevel]

went to mobil 1 0w-20 this weekend, second oil change. will still change oil every 3000 miles.

[RTexasF]

Originally posted by stevel
went to mobil 1 0w-20 this weekend, second oil change. will still change oil every 3000 miles.

By changing out the M1 at 3K you could easily put it in another car for another 3-5K. You're not getting your money out of the synthetic. At 3K oil change intervals you could use Motorcraft 5W20, an excellent synth blend, for about $1.40 a quart.

I'm NOT telling you what to do, just trying to inform you that you are not getting the benefit from the M1 by changing at such short intervals. In fact the Motorcraft will easily go 5K.

Used oil analysis has shown me that both of our cars, one M1 10W30 & one M1 0W20, will both go 10K intervals. I've chosen to go 8K max but that's my paranoia!

I suggest 5K the very first time with M1, then 8K thereafter. It will save some serious $$$ over the life of the car and it is still well protected. A used oil analysis (about $35) will tell you if you can go more, along with other valuable information.

[RTexasF]

Here's some new oil info released today:

Mobil announced today several new extended drain interval oils with performance guarantees..
Mobil Clean 5000 (5,000 mile ODI or 6 months), Mobil Clean 7500 (7,500 miles ODI or 6 months)and Mobil 1 Extended performance (15,000 mile ODI or 1 year, guaranteed)..
However, for automobiles still under manufacturer's warranty, OEM recommended drain intervals prevail....... Availability in coming weeks...
George Morrison, STLE CLS
AV Lubricants Inc. www.avlube.com

These are all new formulations, not just rebadged exisiting formulas.