A20A3 Question

[RandyAM]

Mines a simple one, and i cant find it with the search option, and i havent bought a haynes manual yet, but how much oil can the A20A3 hold? i really need to do an oil change soon, and i just bought the filter last night, and i found some 5W30 left over from an engine swap i did some time earlier this year.

[lostforawhile]

Mines a simple one, and i cant find it with the search option, and i havent bought a haynes manual yet, but how much oil can the A20A3 hold? i really need to do an oil change soon, and i just bought the filter last night, and i found some 5W30 left over from an engine swap i did some time earlier this year.

i would use 10w30 at least, with the age of these engines, i always buy five quarts and use almost all of it just be careful not to overfill,don't forget to count in oil in the filter. the leftover half a quart or so can go in the trunk

[nfs480]

Use 3.7 quarts of 5w-30 (that's what I do in my A20A3 with 235,000 miles, runs great no burning). 10W30 and 5W30 are the same viscosity at operating temperature and while 5w is thinner than 10w when cold, it'll still be thicker than when it's a 30 weight, so both oils are 30 weights at their thinnest.

[lostforawhile]

Use 3.7 quarts of 5w-30 (that's what I do in my A20A3 with 235,000 miles, runs great no burning). 10W30 and 5W30 are the same viscosity at operating temperature and while 5w is thinner than 10w when cold, it'll still be thicker than when it's a 30 weight, so both oils are 30 weights at their thinnest.

I had to think, you are correct, i usually use almost four quarts and then throw the other quart in the back to have it. pour some oil in the filter first, give it a minute to soak into the element, then put it on, this will prevent a dry start, it won't run out if you give the filter enough time to absorb it.

[RandyAM]

yeah, i know about the oil in the filter thing, i was just trying to think about how much it actually needed.

thanks a mill

[defiance]

Use 3.7 quarts of 5w-30 (that's what I do in my A20A3 with 235,000 miles, runs great no burning). 10W30 and 5W30 are the same viscosity at operating temperature and while 5w is thinner than 10w when cold, it'll still be thicker than when it's a 30 weight, so both oils are 30 weights at their thinnest.

Ah very nice so this motor only takes 3.7 quarts ?
I think the guys at the local oil change place (sts) screwed me over
and put 5 in instead and now i got white smoke coming out when i rev it
what the heck should i do !

[nfs480]

Step 1 I would check the oil level on the dipstick. White smoke could also be coolant in the engine but overfilled oil is easy to rule out. If it is overfilled I would drain a little bit out until it's at the full mark on the stick.

[HelenKellerrr]

I use 4.2 when i do oil changes. I go off of what my car manual says

[nfs480]

That's weird, my manual says 3.7 quarts.

[lostforawhile]

if they put in 5 quarts the PCV pickup in the oil pan will suck up oil and it will get burned in the intake manifold if you put too much oil in these it will smoke like a mosquito fogger, and learn to change your own oil, then you don't get the genetic defectives at the oil change place screwing it up for you i

[HelenKellerrr]

@nfs well yours is wrong. Jk thats weird though. Ill try to post a pic of mine

[derolph]

I have an 88 Accord Owner's Manual. On page 115, a Specifications table shows 3.7 qt (including oil filter) but then the table also says 4.2 qt "Total". This does not make sense. Changing filter requires adding more oil, not less. So, the meaning of "Total" is not clear.

And, on page 77, which states the recommended oil change interval, it says the engine oil capacity is 3.7 qt, including filter.

From experience, I've observed that less than 4 qts is needed when changing oil and filter to bring the oil level to the full mark on the dipstick (after engine has been off long enough for oil to completely drain into the oil pan).

[Vanilla Sky]

Just a heads up on the manual, you can download the Honda manual for free. Save some money and get the real, factory information. It's available at the top of the General forum.

[g.frost]

There is always oil left in the system when changing oil & filter; the galleys, some in the head puddles around the valves, the oil pump, etc. That is enough for the 3.7 vs. 4.2 'total'. I just give it a full 4 quarts when changing and the fill is just a bit above the full mark on the dipstick. No oil burning or lost between oil changes in my old cream puff beater.

[POS carb]

yeah if you've ever pulled off the oil pan after draining the oil there's at least half a quart sitting at the bottom. you should have a little left of your 4th quart when you are done with your oil change. as long as you are between the low and high mark you are ok. I would never put more than 4 qts in

390000mi and counting

[defiance]

on my dipstick there are just two dots...when the oil is at a good level I am supposed to be in between these dots correct ?

[Oldblueaccord]

Yes but upper level is better. The lower level means "add a quart". You really don't want to run a car one quart low. Any car for that matter.

Just to add I run 4.5 quarts in my car. I have pulled the oil pan and checked the clearance with 4.5 quarts in the pan and its fine. My car has a windage tray and there plenty on room in there with 4.5 quarts.


wp

[POS carb]

Use 3.7 quarts of 5w-30 (that's what I do in my A20A3 with 235,000 miles, runs great no burning). 10W30 and 5W30 are the same viscosity at operating temperature and while 5w is thinner than 10w when cold, it'll still be thicker than when it's a 30 weight, so both oils are 30 weights at their thinnest.

just read this,
I think you've got it backwards
The higher the number, the higher the viscosity or weight
Therefore a 5-30 and 10-30 start at the same weight (30) when cold, when the motor heats up the weight drops.
This is to increase oil pressure at startup when it is needed most.

[kaylabryn]

No he got it correct. The way it works is they start with a base stock that is the weight of the first number and use viscosity improvers to allow it to increase in viscosity as it warms up to the higher number. This is to allow a vehicle to be started at colder temperatures than would be possible (safely) with a single grade oil.

[POS carb]

derp you are right.
thanks for the info