The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Technical Q & A
Register FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-25-2004, 03:07 PM
svxash's Avatar
svxash svxash is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Casper,Wyoming
Posts: 572
Registered SVX
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?

Last edited by svxash; 11-25-2004 at 03:12 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-25-2004, 03:13 PM
Earthworm's Avatar
Earthworm Earthworm is offline
Meow!
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 11,957
Send a message via ICQ to Earthworm Send a message via AIM to Earthworm Send a message via MSN to Earthworm Send a message via Yahoo to Earthworm Send a message via Skype™ to Earthworm
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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-25-2004, 03:24 PM
lee lee is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,940
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-25-2004, 03:30 PM
svxash's Avatar
svxash svxash is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Casper,Wyoming
Posts: 572
Registered SVX
Which seals usually need replacing? Valve covers or other ones?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-25-2004, 03:37 PM
lee lee is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,940
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.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-25-2004, 04:10 PM
Chiketkd's Avatar
Chiketkd Chiketkd is offline
Row faster...I hear banjos!!!!
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 10,334
Quote:
Originally posted by svxash
Which seals usually need replacing? Valve covers or other ones?
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
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR
2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold)
2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold)
1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-25-2004, 06:26 PM
lee lee is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,940
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.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-25-2004, 06:43 PM
thundering02's Avatar
thundering02 thundering02 is offline
Giong back to the beaters...
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 1,420
Quote:
Originally posted by Chiketkd



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 ran 10w40 in the integra and it cut oil consumption by at least 1/2. I would recomend V.M.L. to any body
__________________
86 GMC Jimmy Blue and Silver- R.I.P.
87 Integra RS ~228k miles R.I.P.
92 SVX LS-L Perly ~186k R.I.P.
89 240sx se red ~165k miles Gone and unknown
89 240sx se Black~185k R.I.P.
85 Toyota pickup ~205k R.I.P.
85 BMW 325e ~ Gone and unknown
85 Ford Mustang getting engine swap now!
05 Colorado ~108k Daily Driver
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-25-2004, 08:34 PM
svxash's Avatar
svxash svxash is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Casper,Wyoming
Posts: 572
Registered SVX
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.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-25-2004, 09:41 PM
Ron Mummert Ron Mummert is offline
Invisible avatar
Alcyone Gold Contributor
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Shawsville, VA (Formally Ellicott City, MD)
Posts: 3,797
Send a message via AIM to Ron Mummert Send a message via Yahoo to Ron Mummert
Wink 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.........?).
__________________
Good s**t happened. 69 was worth the wait.

'92 stock semi-pristine ebony - 160K
'96 Grand Caravan - 240K
'01 Miata SE - 79K
'07 Chrysler Pacifica - 60k - future money pit.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-25-2004, 10:09 PM
Chiketkd's Avatar
Chiketkd Chiketkd is offline
Row faster...I hear banjos!!!!
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 10,334
Re: Re: Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?

Quote:
Originally posted by Ron Mummert
I agree.....at 106K it's DEFINATELY time to drain the sludge.

Ron ( I always thought 3k was anal, but.........?). [/B]
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!

-Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR
2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold)
2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold)
1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-26-2004, 12:37 AM
SilverSpear's Avatar
SilverSpear SilverSpear is offline
Still 1.7K to go...
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lebanon, Middle East
Posts: 7,563
Send a message via AIM to SilverSpear Send a message via MSN to SilverSpear Send a message via Skype™ to SilverSpear
Registered SVX
Re: Which to use, high mileage oil, synthetic,or regular dino?

Quote:
Originally posted by svxash
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?
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...
__________________
Danny

1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon)
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-27-2004, 09:19 PM
GJSVX
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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...
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-27-2004, 11:17 PM
manofmayo manofmayo is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Posts: 739
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.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-28-2004, 12:02 AM
calisvx calisvx is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: oceanside,ca
Posts: 202
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!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:45 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122