Motor Oil questions

[InsightfulBob]

I bought my Insight used a while back and I need to change the oil soon.
So I know that Honda recommends 0W-20 Motor Oil. Can I get a lower viscosity oil than 20? Would it be harmful to the engine? Is 0W-5 too low?
http://www.neosyntheticoil.com/0w5.htm
Also, what about Oil Stabilizer? Would Lucas or something similar be helpful?
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/displa ... 2&loc=show
Opinions?

[HafNHaf]

i think most of us are using mobil-1 0w20 or 5w20. i wouldnt go any thinner than the oem specs.

[Guillermo]

The owner manuals says which oil you should use and which alternative oils are acceptable. 0W20 is recommended and alternatives like 5W20 and 5W30 are acceptable. Do not use anything lighter then 0W20.

Engine oils are specially formulated to provide alot of functions.
DO NOT add any additives to the engine oil because it will screw up with it's proper function. Just buy quality engine oil.
The only significant difference in performance comes from upgrading to synthetic engine oil made by companies like Mobile1 or Amsoil.

[Resist]

Can I get a lower viscosity oil than 20?

Yes

Would it be harmful to the engine?

Yes

Is 0W-5 too low?

Yes

[Insightful Trekker]

Can I get a lower viscosity oil than 20?

Yes

Would it be harmful to the engine?

Depends

Is 0W-5 too low?

Depends

While your going too low for adequate protection in anything but sub arctic conditions _and_ a 0W-20 synthetic will give you a wide enough temperature range even in those conditions it does depend.

Engine oil viscosity ratings aren't absolutes in regard to damage until you factor in temperature.

IMO conditions that would benefit from 0W-5 would also be cold enough to make steel brittle. And any plastics used in the Insight shatter like glass when flexed. So there's no reasonable need or conditions that it would be a good choice.

[InsightfulBob]

Thanks, and don't worry I won't put in any thing lower than 0w-20 now.

[Arturo]

I'm running 0-30 amsoil high milage oil with great results! Contemplating putting their dual oil filter that allows oil changes to be done at far greater milage intervals as it filters down to 3 microns and wear is caused by particles in the 5 micron range. Ive dealt with amsoil products with great results and run it in my f350 v10 crew cab also. I like mobil 1 also but feel that amsoil is superior. I woke up early 1 morning and decided to go for my milage record. With hardly any traffic I got 86.5 miles to the gallon running amsoil 0-30. When using cruise contol I only got 66.7 mpg. Arturo

[LoNOx 1]

I also use the Series 2000 Amsoil with HIGH mileage intervals. The Insight now has 134000 miles. In November, I traded in a 2000 Nissan Maxima with 114000 miles with no problems. My 01 Nissan Frontier CC (106000 miles) also uses no oil and has no leaks. I am a firm believer in the Amsoil filter.
Last year, we had an oil/filter discussion at work. I removed the can from a Fram, Walmart Supertech, and an Amsoil filter.
Quality of the Fram was terrible. Supertech was good, and Amsoil great.
Autozone stores did have a display of the different brands that they sold that you could pull the can off of and inspect.

[InsightfulBob]

Thanks for the heads up on the Amsoil. I have to change my oil and filter soon, too. I'm pretty sure that I'll use the Series 2000 and EaO filter. What air filter would you suggest? Or should I clean my stock filter?

[LoNOx 1]

I use a K & N in my vehicles. I like the idea of having the ability to clean it. I would NOT clean a stock filter. If it is dirty enough to clean, replace it. If you go with the oem style, I would NOT use a Fram. I comared a Fram with a oem Toyota filter couple of weeks ago and there was a big difference in quality also. Not as many pleats and they weren't as deep either.

I do not sell filters or oil of any brand. All of the above is my opinion.
You can find much information at: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/