Hello all,

New to the forums here...just bought a used 2003 sk2 w/36,800 miles.

Question 1: No owner's manual was supplied - so what weight of oil should I use for my 1st oil change, and should I go regular blend or synthetic? I'm not sure what's in there now.

Question 2: I've ran about 300 miles on the car so far. Not ever going past 7k on the RPMs, but still driving pretty aggressively. I've lost about 1/2 a quart of oil. Is this normal? I know its engine is high performance. Should I be skeptical that the two previous owners of this car could have driven it pretty hard based on my current oil loss? Should I take it in to have it examined? Just looking for some thoughts...


Thanks all,
Ryan
representing the 704

 

I would do a compression and leak down test. I would also change the oil and see what kind of consumption you have on a new fill.

Also how many miles on the clock and any mods?

 

If you read the "oil journals" sticky, you will see that amsoil ATM 10w-30 comes out on top in every catagory, and can go with 5-10K OCI's. however you may have to look around for it, or buy online. There are many premuim synoils on the market, so take your pick

 

Manual says 10W-30. With your mileage synthetic or dino will work. Some folks with high oil consumption have found that a non-synthetic reduces consumption.

 

10W-30 is the correct weight and I personally use conventional oil instead of synthetic.

AP1 engines do consume a fairly large amount of oil, look into Krank Vents, I went from using 1 quart of oil ever 1500-2000 miles to consuming ZERO in 2500 miles. The car saw 130+ MPH at least 10 times and VTEC numerous times each drive so I was by no means taking it easy on the car.

 

I would have the valve retainers checked before I drove it much longer. With two previous owners already, there's a good chance that one or more might be cracked from a mechanical over-rev. If so, then it's only a matter of time before a valve will drop into your engine. Cheap insurance!
It's a good idea to change the oil and filter. Read the oil journals in UTH. The cliff notes version is 10W30 SL or SM oil and Honda 15400-PCX-004 oil filter. Krank vents are your best option for consumption. You might want to change your PCV valve also. Check your oil level every time you fuel!
Air filter might need changed, but you can check.
When you can get around to it, change the tranny, differential, brake and clutch fluids too.
Good luck and have fun!

 

You guys are great - thanks for the quick replies. I topped off my engine today with 10w30 Castrol GTX. I plan on getting an oil change in 2 days, so this should hold me until then.

Then I will monitor the situation to the fullest. Keeping an eye on that lil' beast. This is my 1st Honda, and my 1st super-fast ride. I just traded my '98 Eclipse GS (pos) w/mods. It is so funny how much faster this car is, and the ride stability is amazing. It came with black "S" rims, 16" in size...boo on the fact that it came with BFGoodwrench Drag Radials on the rear. They are also worn.


Ry

 

Sounds like your car has been beat on, so get the diff fluid swapped. There's a DIY here on how to do it.

Also, not to sound like your dad or anything, but get 4 new, matching high performance tires on this car. The first time it rains and you're stuck with your new RWD sports car and zero-tread drag radials you'll be in trouble. Good tires are cheap insurance for keeping your vehicle on the road and they enhance the limits of the car's handling abilities (provided that you buy a decent set).

 

Good news! Just got back from a 500 mile roundtrip, and not a trace of missing oil. I ran the car decently hard - shooting up to 100 mph here and there, and also taking out a 3000GT, Cougar and Trans Am. Not that I doubted the matchups! Anyways - the good thing is that I feel a little bit better about the oil situation.

Thanks for all the help,
Ry