Automatic with 160,000 miles. I definitely wanna change all the fluids as I don't know how the previous owner was with maintenance. So first is the Oil and I was wondering if I should use a synthetic oil when I change it? Being such high mileage and all. The second question is about Changing ATF. Should I use the Honda Brand ATF?

Some say using synthtic oil on high mileage cars can increase the chances of leaks/leaking, with pretty decent proof. I would recomend not to use it for just that reason. Why take the risk? Depending on your driving style and geographical area dino oil should last 5k.

Definitely use Honda ATF, no doubt about it.

Sodaks2k:

I strongly disagree with you. Some 16 (sixteen) years ago, I converted my trusty '86 over to fully-synthetic oils...at 92K miles. With Mobil One 10W-30 in the engine, and AmsOil 10W-40 in the tranny, I've never had a single issue.

While Honda Z-1 ATF MAY work okay in the earlier ATs, I wouldn't use it for free....esp. when I can purchase Red Line D4 and AmsOil Universal ATF for the same...or less...$$$$.

I strongly disagree with you. Some 16 (sixteen) years ago, I converted my trusty '86 over to fully-synthetic oils...at 92K miles. With Mobil One 10W-30 in the engine, and AmsOil 10W-40 in the tranny, I've never had a single issue.



92k isn't "high" mileage. :thmsup: 160k is :yes: To the OP, if you have absolutely ZERO leaks now, then go ahead if you must. You'll pay almost twice the price for synthetic vs dino. If you go twice the miles on your OCI's then it's worth it. Just my humble opinion. :dunno:

Is it J vin? (some are some not)

I too have been wondering about synth. My truck is at 201k (Def qualifies as high milage). I like the idea of synth extended oil changes: I'm lazy, it gets cold in the winter.

I wonder, If some of the blends, like the motorcraft blend which is universally liked would run the same risk as full synth. ? Maybe others who know more can comment?

You might consider AutoRX. Stuff is amazing, and the consensus on bobistheoilguy that it works, and does not typically cause leaks.

The other thing people forget on older cars is changing the PCV valve. Its like a $5 part, and can cause oil burning, oil leaks, and poor running. Go OEM, aftermarket are not as good. EDIT: forgot to add. My truck one still rattled (universal test), I replaced it anyway, running smoother, more power, best $5 ever. A lot of people miss a sticky one that still rattles but is bad.

Post up some pics! I love the older gens!

At 185K I'd say my '94 qualifies as high mileage. I've always used conventional oils in my engines, however when I was buying the oil and filter for the first oil change on this car (I bought it back in March) I noticed that the conventional Valvoline, and their high mileage synthetic blend were selling for the same price in Wal Mart, so I went ahead and got the synthetic blend. I haven't seen any major oil leaks develop. I had a problem with the valve cover / spark plug tube seals, but that didn't get any worse. I have developed a leak at the back of the engine, which I believe to be the pressure switch, but I've been using the blend for the past 6000 miles plus, and the leak just developed, so I'd have a hard time blaming that on the blended oil.

FWIW, I still maintain a 3,000 mile oil change schedule.

To All:

I'd like to CHOKE whomever it was that began circulating the Myth that full/partial synthetic oils are conducive to seal damage and/or leaking. That is flatly nonsense.

Within my now 16 (sixteen) years of using fully-synthetic oils, I have NEVER had a single issue. Moreover, I've NEVER heard anyone else complain, be they family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, whatever. NEVER.

Were the "Myth" actually true, based upon empirical evidence, then Mobil One, AmsOil, Red Line, etc. would have been SUED out of business, decades ago.

I've been using the blend for the past 6000 miles plus, and the leak just developed, so I'd have a hard time blaming that on the blended oil.

Contradicting yourself a bit? :confused: So the leak just developed 6k after you changed to synthetic but don't think it's related?

I'm not saying it is, but other people experince the same thing.

I've NEVER heard anyone else complain, be they family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, whatever. NEVER.

Obviously you've heard it somewhere, otherwise you wouldn't want to choke someone who started the myth. Just because it didn't come from the people you mentioned, doesn't mean it's not true. :naughty:

Maybe it can't be proven that synthetic/blends cause leaks, but with people experiencing the problem (TomQuick) it's plausible. I have no proof that it causes it, I just pass the word and people can take it FWIW. :thmsup:

Obviously you've heard it somewhere, otherwise you wouldn't want to choke someone who started the myth. Just because it didn't come from the people you mentioned, doesn't mean it's not true.

WRONG. I actually heard the "Myth" about 16 (sixteen) years ago, when I switched to full-syn oils in my trusty '86. The Shop Foreman, at my local Honda dealer, told me that Mobil One and AmsOil would "wipe out my seals and gaskets, resulting in heavy fluid loss." Now, instead of swearing at Mobil One, he swears by it...along with almost every other mechanic there. :lmao:

WRONG. I actually heard the "Myth" about 16 (sixteen) years ago, when I switched to full-syn oils in my trusty '86. The Shop Foreman, at my local Honda dealer, told me that Mobil One and AmsOil would "wipe out my seals and gaskets, resulting in heavy fluid loss."

Well they must be reading the same forums I am. :D If people don't have problems with it, the more power to them! :thumbsup:

Sodaks2k:

I'd best NOT try to choke my local dealer Shop Foreman, regardless of our differences in opinion about oils. I MIGHT just need a favor from him, someday. Plus, at about ~6'2", and about ~200 lbs., he is BIGGER than I am! :D