First Oil Change- Okay to use synthetic?

[CChung]

I've had my '00NSX-T for over 5 months now and am approaching 1000 miles on the odometer. I want to change the oil and filter but was wondering if it's okay to use synthetic now or should I wait a few more thousand miles. I remember a forum topic a few months ago about "break-in" oil and that conventional oil should be used for the first few thousand miles. Also, can you go longer periods with synthetic oil if you drive only a few thousand miles a year? How many of you used synthetic for your first oil change? Thanks for any replies.

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'00 NSX-T, silverstone/blk, #252

 

[nsxtasy]

I've had my '00NSX-T for over 5 months now and am approaching 1000 miles on the odometer. I want to change the oil and filter but was wondering if it's okay to use synthetic now or should I wait a few more thousand miles.

I would probably wait another couple of months. I realize it's beyond the conventional 3-4 months for an oil change, but you want to leave that break-in oil in the engine for a while - ideally 5K miles but I wouldn't want to stretch the time interval longer than about 7 months. Wanna drive to Wisconsin in October?

can you go longer periods with synthetic oil if you drive only a few thousand miles a year?

After you're past the break-in oil, I would still change my oil at least every 4 months or so if I weren't hitting the mileage intervals - regardless of whether I were using synthetic or conventional oil.

How many of you used synthetic for your first oil change?

I have used synthetic on every oil change. I've heard a few people claim otherwise, that it's too "slippery" for the first oil change and you need to let the parts seat to each other but I'm not convinced. I'd rather have the benefits of synthetic (more resistance to thermal breakdown, better flow when cold).

 

[tabasco]

Originally posted by CChung:
I've had my '00NSX-T for over 5 months now and am approaching 1000 miles on the odometer

My 3 month old 2000 is approaching 3000 miles. How can you drive that thing so little? I try not to drive to keep the odometer low, but it's impossible.

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'00 Candy Apple Blue / Black

 

[akira3d]

I am NOT trying to keep the miles low and I only put 7250 miles on my NSX in my first year of ownership. I guess I'm working too hard.

BTW, this may be a stupid question, but do you guys buy your synthetic oil and bring it to the dealership when you get your oil changed, or do yuou just tell them that you wan it? I'm thinking about going synthetic (Mobil 1) at my next oil change.

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--akira3D ('00 NSX-T red/black #113)
"Reality is better than the dream..."

akira3d.com/nsx

[This message has been edited by akira3d (edited 03 August 2001).]

 

[DeHaldaswerth]

Hi, Calvin --

I went through the exact same dillema when I changed my oil for the first time. (2000 NSXt, 9 months old, now has 4000 miles). Despite my best efforts, I was unable to EVER get an authoritative answer on the suppposed "break in oil". I called three different dealers, including one so called "NSX expert" dealer in California, and I got a different answer every place I called. I even tried the Acura tech line, but got a vague answer about some form of "moly additive" that was in the oil. Bottom line is, the owner's manual doesn't say anything about leaving the factory oil in for a specified period. (BTW, my S2000 owner's manual DOES state that the factory oil should be left in for at least 5000 miles).

Anyway, here's what I did: I put conventional oil in after the first change. When I reach 5000 miles, I will put in my old stand by, Mobil 1 10w-30. I always change the oil after three months regardless of mileage, primarily because I like to put the car up on the jack stands and tinker with it, and the oil change is a good excuse. Also gives me that chance to take off all the wheels and clean the suspension till it shines.

By the way, if anyone has any documented proof of the supposed NSX break in oil, I would sure like to see it.

Mike

[This message has been edited by DeHaldaswerth (edited 03 August 2001).]

 

[HapaHaole]

Originally posted by akira3d:
BTW, this may be a stupid question, but do you guys buy your synthetic oil and bring it to the dealership when you get your oil changed, or do yuou just tell them that you wan it? I'm thinking about going synthetic (Mobil 1) at my next oil change.

Hmm what I do is be buddies with your local Jiffy lube.. (or any lube place) Buy the filters and washers from Tracy (discounted) then go to costco and purchase the cases of Mobile One Syn for $21.99 a case, Take the case with one filter and crush washer head down there and drive your NSX in the bay.. let your Buddy do the filter removal and washer removal (or do it yourself like I do) and give them $10 for the trouble or trade products ( I trade them cellular phone faceplates ) and wala.. oil change done.

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'92 Sebring Silver NSX #181

 

[nsxtasy]

BTW, this may be a stupid question,

No, it's not.

but do you guys buy your synthetic oil and bring it to the dealership when you get your oil changed, or do yuou just tell them that you wan it? I'm thinking about going synthetic (Mobil 1) at my next oil change.

My regular dealer does not stock synthetic 10W30. (I'm not positive, but I think they stock synthetic 5W30.) When I get an oil change there, I bring the oil with me. Otherwise, they would have to go to the store and get it - so they would just as soon I bring it, too. Works out well for both of us.

Of course, you could call and ask ahead of time whether they keep it in stock. Or, you could bring some with you and give them the option of using yours or buying theirs. (Even if they stock it, they might be willing to use yours anyway if you're nice about it.)

 

[akira3d]

I guess it never hurts to have a few extra bottles of oil around.

 

[Slingshot]

I would definitely wait until you have run up 5000 miles for all the parts to seat properly before going synthetic. I still can't find a specific article that oil breaks down after a certain number of months. I don't intend on changing the synthetic oil and filter every 5000 miles or one year (which ever occurs first).
I buy a case of Mobil One 10W-30 from Walmart. Order a few Acura filters from Tracy at Gunn Acura and use the Griot oil extractor http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=extractor If you can check the oil, you can change the oil just as quick with never having the drain plug pulled or jacking the car up. You just insert the tube down the dip stick tube. It is sweet!

 

[NSX4U2]

It is my understanding there is some truth to "break-in" oil. Wy they don't market this stuff if it's so great is odd.

Wait the 5K is what I got from someone in the know at Acura.

 

[NSXLNT]

The Griot's oil extracter looks great, but don't you still have to jack up the car to change the filter?

 

[nsxtasy]

It is my understanding there is some truth to "break-in" oil. Wy they don't market this stuff if it's so great is odd.

Wait the 5K is what I got from someone in the know at Acura.

The reason they don't market it is that it's formulated to be used in a brand new engine. And the new engines come with it inside. So there's no need to buy any after that.

 

[Slingshot]

Originally posted by NSXLNT:
The Griot's oil extracter looks great, but don't you still have to jack up the car to change the filter?

I could get to it without jacking the car up, but it was on so tight, I did jack the passenger side rear wheel up to get a better position on it with the cheap oil filter wrench I had that wasn't designed for the NSX filter.

 

[David]

If the car really does come with some special 'break in' oil with some secret ingredient (unobtainium?), that's fine. However, the notion that cars need to break in with a conventional oil and then can be switched to a synthetic is the mechanic's equivalent of an old wives tale. If you really think about the arguement for a minute, you will realize that it makes no sense.

Personally, I would leave the original oil in for the entire break-in period, then switch to whatever you plan to use over the life of the car. Nice and simple.

Enjoy your lovely new toy.