Hello to all,
When I got my 1986 LX-i, it was pissing oil out of every single shaft seal you may think of (leaking is an understatement). So the guy that had it poured a quart every hundred miles or so. The oil was therefore quite clean as it never stayed long enough to get dirty so in the first few miles I did not bother with replacing the oil. I had first to stop the bleeding; EVERY single shaft seal including distributor and rear crankshaft seal was replaced (PITA).
When deciding what oil to use I noticed that oil for diesel engines is generally suitable for use on gasoline engines. They include the API classification for diesel engines (eg. CJ) and gasoline engines (eg. SM).
A little extra research revealed that that newer API classifications for gasoline engines have lowered phosphorous content than earlier ones. One reason is that phosphor "pollutes" catalytic converters reducing their efficiency over time. On the upside, high levels of phosphor increases protection against wear in places like camshafts and valve trains. Because the engine on the old Accord was designed when phosphorous content in oils were higher, I though that the engine would benefit a little from the extra phosphorous content; as for the effect on the cat converter (we have emissions here in Atlanta) that was also discounted when the car was designed. Besides, the car is already 22 years old so a new cat may be needed at some point in time.
There was an extra consideration: cleaning additives. That would make no damage on an engine that is already clean. If anything, it will keep it clean for longer.
So, for this car I went with a diesel/gasoline engine oil (Rotella T 15w40). I would have liked a slightly lower viscosity (like a 10w40) but for the weather here 15w is fine and the car starts without problems. Besides, 15w40 fits what the car manual says regarding viscosity as it contemplates using even 20w50.
For colder climates, there is an option of a full-synthetic oil (Rotella T 5w40). Prices for either type are good, being somewhat lower than similar "gasoline-only" oils.
Before going "diesel" on oils I did some homework. I remembered from long ago (when living overseas) that many gasoline engines were also rated for use on diesel engines (part of the story that moved me to do the research in the first place)
Shell has a bunch of information on this particular topic. You may even notice that those diesel oils are being used by... motorcycles!!!
I have included one link below for reference; there i a forum in which people ask questions and get answers from others and forum moderators (that are Shell engineers). You can even send your own question for a more specific answer
http://www.shell.com/home/PlainPageS...ourexpert.html
http://www.shellusserver.com/product...llaT(CJ-4).pdf
http://www.sopus-staging.com/staging...ic_TDS_v10.pdf
THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION NOR A SUGGESTION FOR ANYONE TO DO ANYTHING OF WHAT I DID.
I am sharing what I have found; for some this information may be useful.
Happy New Year for everyone!!!
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