Oil question: is it okay?

[90cb7lx]

Whats up fellas, Im a newbie here. I just got myself a 90 lx with 195k mileson on it. I think the previous owner used 20w50 oil on it and I was wondering if I can switch back to 10w30 without a problem.

Thanks in advance

[F22HB]

Yep, you can change no problem. Just try and get as much of the old oil out as possible and it would be a good idea to atleast use the same brand oil as the previous owner.

[90cb7lx]

Thanks.

What would be a valid reason for someone to switch from the recommended oil (10w30) to a thicker kind (such as 20w50)?

[bruno8747]

Thanks.

What would be a valid reason for someone to switch from the recommended oil (10w30) to a thicker kind (such as 20w50)?

Original oil is too thin and is getting past the rings. Some people use the thicker oil to help with bad rings.

[F22HB]

Original oil is too thin and is getting past the rings. Some people use the thicker oil to help with bad rings.

Ya, thicker oil has a harder time gettin through seals and rings.

[Skiers Eat Beef]

Lets hope you don't get a surprise...

And have a smoky car after the oil change. Thats what happened with mine, fucking guy was buring oil and put in SAE 50. Stopped burning oil. I bought it, changed the oil.... Thought I did something wrong the way it was smoking afterwards... The engine didn't last 25,000 after I got it....

[lilb_1979]

I use 20w40 in mine!!

[Leethal88]

id use the same as the previous owner did. if there are any leaks at all using a thinner oil make make them apparent. the previous owner wont tell you probly either id stick with what the previous owner used.

[ExplodingCake]

20w50 is a bit to thick. I'd stick to 10w30

[C91BLX7]

I run 5w20 all year no problems, with 194k on the ticker.

[90Haccord]

5w20 here also year round with 229K

[i_rebel]

Original oil is too thin and is getting past the rings. Some people use the thicker oil to help with bad rings.

Absolutely!

I am in this situation right now...92 with 190k. Lots of smoke when car starts (sign of bad rings)...and significant oil losses throughout the week.

I use 20w-50 to try to combat that, and sometimes add STP Oil Treatment (aka "honey" cause it's so thick).

I figure you are probably better off keeping the same oil for now, check the oil at least once every two days for a week. That will help you to know if your car is in fact burning or losing oil at all.

So before you make up your mind about switching...check the oil consistently. Then:

- If you find that your losing oil somehow...stick with the heavier oil until you can find and resolve your issues.

- If you find that you do not seem to be losing oil, try switching to something thinner (10w something), and consistently check the oil to know what to do next.