Having followed the Oil Burning thread a bit, I was wondering if should switch my 1991 Accord to synthetic? It burns no oil and is at
113,000 miles. It does need the big general service appointment.Also, I think it only had the timing belt done once. Probably getting ready for that? I need to check when that was done.
only do it if you want to. only makes sense if you leave it in for the extended period it's designed for. contrary to myth and halloween rumor, it doesn't cause seal leakage.
My dealer still pesters me for changes every 6k (km) using synthetic, the same interval as dyno-juice.
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If it ain't broke.......
I can't say you 'should,' but it won't hurt anything. If, as sounds likely, the compression rings are in good shape (not allowing excess blow-by) a solid Syn will go 10K between changes. Use a good filter for extended oil change intervals.
Going by mileage, the belt is probably still fine. Aging is another matter. I don't know the suggested lifespan, but like you say it's worth looking into.
then the dealer is either ignorant or a crook. if you buy long life mobil 1, it's rated for 15k. my friend who works for exxon says you can double that. he runs regular mobil 1 and changes his suburban at 25k.
if in doubt, get analysis done.
I wouldn't bother unless you live where cars don't rust. My 1991 Accord has a bit over 215K on it and still does not use any significant amount of oil between changes. It's had changes every 7500 miles since new with regular 5W30, in average-ish service with a few thousand miles of trailer towing thrown in. At the rate it's been going, the car will have disintegrated around a still-functional drive train in another 5 years or so (grin).
The timing belt change interval is 90K miles. If you didn't have it done at 90K it's overdue. Run, don't walk, to the nearest place to get it changed if this is the case. If it breaks you won't like what happens. If you had it done at 90K it's not due again until 180K. Either way, do the water pump at the same time.
For more info about timing belt change intervals I have yet to find a better reference than the one from Gates:
Thanks to all. I'll just leave the oil as is. You're right about the rust; it's likely to do in the car eventually. If the interval for the belt is 90,000, then I did it around then. But there is also a year maximum as well - I shouldn't be anywhere near that yet.
Alright, I just need to do the big general maintenance sometime soon.
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