recommended oil?

[lars65]

I just bought a 1997 S with 108K. Previous owner said he used 20w50 oil since purchase at 88K.

1. What oil is recommended for this engine?

2. Is it true that changing oil grades will "make the engine wear differently" and therefor prematurely, or is that BS?

Thanks

[OfTheSun]

20W-50. Jeez that's heavy oil for a honda!

5w-30 is OEM recommended. I use that for winter and 10w-30 for triple digit temperature of summer.

I've never heard of changing oil weights/brands affecting engine wear.

[CRX97SiR]

I have heard of different weights, affecting valve noise, and for gas milage. Only heard, and have not looked up information. On the other hand, I have a hatch that has 190,000 original miles on motor. I currently use 5w-30 Castrol GTX, with an occational synthetic blend of 5w-30. No problems, no burn, no abnormal leak, little deposits.

Experience has shown me full syntetic oils, tend to find leaks easy. (95 VTEC del sol w/80K on 5-30 syntec), as the hevier conventional oil tends not to leak as easy or as much. (78 Accord, w/bad rings and 400k, on 20-50 gtx)

My opinion. 20-50 will be thick, and may not flow easy for startup. Possibly cause more wear when first running. Protects well for very hot conditions.

My reccomendation: Use 5w-30, of good reputation, no cheapie oil. example(Castrol GTX, or synthetic blend). The best prevention to engine failure.

[lars65]

Thanks for the replies- I'll just stick with 5w30 then.