Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?
 

My wife's SVX has 106,000 miles on it and it's ready for an oil change. Does anyone have any recommendations on oil. I noticed that when she parked in the garage the other day there were a few drops of oil on the floor in the morning. Should I switch to a high mileage oil or use a seal conditioner for a while and then switch to synthetic?

Switching to synthetic oil seems to increase the leak but then it also returns to normal later. If course if you're planning on changing seals then it's not an issue.

if there are drops, then the seal has already started to fail. Switching to a synthetic will almost certainly leak - even after the conditioner you should not expect the leak to stop. Replace the seals then put in the synthetic.

Which seals usually need replacing? Valve covers or other ones?

seems pretty common for it to be the cam and/or crank seals - should be routine for mechanics to change them out with a new timing belt, but it isn't unless asked for.

Personally, I find the leak tends to come from the front crankshaft seal that runs through the oil pump. The seal itself is just a $6.00 part, but it's a pain to get to. Like Lee mentioned, it is best done when changing the timing belt.

I would recommned spending a bit extra and getting Valvoline high mileage 10W-30 (non-synthetic). This oil contains seal conditioners, so there's no need to add anything else...

-Chike

I should point out that I just said what seems to be the most common leak site. That doesn't mean it isn't from the valve cover gaskets, a little drip from the power steering, etc. Only way to tell for sure is to clean it all off and see where it starts again.

I ran 10w40 in the integra and it cut oil consumption by at least 1/2. I would recomend V.M.L. to any body

I went to the Auto-rx.com site earlier and was curious as to how many if anyone has used this product? It sounds like an alright product but it's hard to tell what works and what doesn't.

Re: Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by svxash
[B]My wife's SVX has 106,000 miles on it and it's ready for an oil change.


I agree.....at 106K it's DEFINATELY time to drain the sludge.

Ron ( I always thought 3k was anal, but.........?).

Re: Re: Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?
 

You're too funny Ron.

I think svxfiles told me the story of some lady that drove around 100K miles on her diesel mercedes-benz w/o changing the oil! :eek:

-Chike

Re: Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?
 

here's what I would do if I were you:

1- Wash the underneath of your engine, run for a hundred miles or so in your car , and try to locate oil traces and where it is coming from.

2- Fix the problem/leak either seals or other...

3- Get oil flush for your engine, follow the instructions on it and then change it along with the oil filter.

4- Get the castrol 10W-60. It's fully synthetic, I use it in my car, no problems whatsoever, prevents the engine either in winter or summer, and keeps it smooth, idle and in excellent condition. it has some sort of material inside which keeps the engine from forming sludge. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

I hope all of you guys accept this method. one bottle of this oil costs 10$ over here...

I use 15-50 mobil one full synthetic on my svx, it has 126k on it. It might leak a little, but its better then the dead dinos in the opinion of about 5 mechanics I know. It goes everywhere, which can be a good/bad thing depending how you look at it...good for the engine, bad because it leaks a little...

I've been really happy w/ running Mobil 1 Synthetic since March. Didn't appear to have any drips or leaks after switching. Still no issues. My engine takes 7 quarts.

Costco has Mobile 1 10w-30 for $23.49 for 6 quarts.

ok iam doing my first oil change any special things to do ?
how many quarts and what filter is best ? any additives ?engine flush? also doing a tranny flush how many quarts?
thanks in advance guys!;)