1niceSi

My engine oil light went on today, and it's been off and on for the last couple of days. This morining I checked the dip stick and it was bone dry. So i did an emergency oil change.

I was amazed to find out that there was only 300ml of oil (1/3 of a litre) in the engine. I don't how it didn't blow.

I guess in the back of my mind I was hoping it would blow, so I could tell my dad that I need a new engine. He asked me, "Don't you love your car?'' I said, "Ya, but I don't love the engine." I'm craving a b16/b18....I'm sure I'm not alone.

sjwong

Doesn't driving with that little amount of oil ruin your engine?
Oh well..time for a swap

Whiplash

what surprises me is how little they take after a change..
mine was only about 3 litres..

Mugen C

Heard this happened to other members before...Why? I heard Honda won't burn oil? Am I correct...

Mugen C

[1sL0CiviC]

if your losing oil, its not a good sign

oil could be burning, could be leaking.....

its irrevelant what manufacturer the car is

all cars do it over time

Honda fan

james,

my old 1978 civic used to burn oil like crazy - i would buy oil by the case - the cheapest i could find - and whenever the oil light would come on - like once a week, i would toss in 3 litres - lol

don't feel bad though, when i was a service advisor at bmw, a guy came in saying his engine was making a knocking sound - keep in mind this was an M3 still under warranty - well, i went out to the car to find the oil light on and nothing showing on the dipstick!

phil

sjwong

Just a question, how often would you have to replace the engine oil?

Sadatay

I'm hankering for either one too... actually, I take that back, maybe the b18 a little more...

Whiplash

8k or so on the Gen7's..

imported_loudsubz

I had the same thing happen last new years, I was in North York, i was turning some corners and light would flash for a sec. So I stopped, checked oil, and luckily I had a 1l bottle in the back for a spare, cause this happend at a Convinient store at 1am.

Put the oil in, went back home, next day filled it all the way back up, and its been almost a year since it happend and no problems, although my oil does go down still though, but sam pointed out Its prolly my leaky head gasket.

imported_94EG6HB

I agree....

imported_ryanhook

My second 4th gen Si burned oil like mad. I used to carry a bottle in the car at all times. C'est la vie.

Buff 'n Stuff

Civic motors are actually notorious for burning oil, especially with manual transmissions. One of the biggest reasons is that they are higher revving engines. If your motor has well over 100,000 kms and has never had any internal seals replaced, chances are it's going to burn even more... ultimately, if you drive at high speeds regularly.

Honda recommends the first oil change at 8,000 kms and then every 6,000 kms from there after. However, my company (as well as major motor oil companies) recommends every 3 months or 5,000 kms... whether using conventional or synthetic oil. Certain companies have tested motor oil to confirm exactly how long the lubricating qualities, additives, etc. last before "breaking down". Most of these companies have verified that it takes approxiamately 5,000 kms for this to occur. Meanwhile, the lubricating quality and additives in synthetic oil do last longer than conventional oil, but it is still necessary to change it regularly, simply because the oil gets contaminated by dirt and water.

imported_echien

You can also check for leaks on the exterior of the block. If it's really greasy not only is it a fire waiting to happen, it's a sign of a serious leak.

If you're not sure, shampoo the engine and watch for leaks. I have no idea how you can burn THAT much oil. You using a freah crush washer with the drain plug?

When was the last time you changed oil. If it's been 4 years and your car burns oil than yeah I can see that, other then that it sound s like a serious problem.

I baby my engine (but then again it's a b16) I use organic but I change it every 3000 to 4000 Km. It's still cheaper than syntechic and I feel new organic will still be better old syntechic.

Am I right?

imported_1sicsol

**** I need an oil change.......................

Jugglez

New oil is always better than old oil... the harder you drive the motor the more frequently you should be changing... a motor that is run hard for 5000km is going to see more oil breakdown than an engine that is driven by an old lady for 5000km.. think about it

i change it, along with the filter, the moment it turns a certain shade of dark brown and the viscosity begins to decrease.. you can check by feeling it with your fingertips, or just visual comparison with new oil.. usually I change once every 2 months or 2500-3000km's, whichever comes 1st

i use OEM honda filters with Mobil 1 SuperSyn.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

ME TOO!! But now since Mobil went all cheap on their synthetic oil, I have to switch to a real oil like Redline, Amsoil, Motul, or Royal Purple.

Buff 'n Stuff

Surprised? The average imported (compact) car with a 4 cylinder usually takes between 3 and 4 litres, while domestic 4 cylinders are between 4 and 5 litres. I've got the capacities in my head for most vehicles... and they're more accurate than owner's manual specs.

Nissan Micra, 2.7L (with filter)

Jugglez

The plus with Mobil 1 is you can find it at CT or walmart anytime... amsoil, motul and the like you'd have to go to a specialty auto parts, store.. most performance shops don't carry them in stock either.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

I was actually gonna get a whole drum of it...it's a couple thousand dollars though so I think I'm gonna just buy it in cases from a place like summit or other on line race places. Besides, Detroit has all kinds of domestic shops that have it.