When to put in synthetic?
 

My P5 has close to 5000 mile. Should I put in synthetic oil now? The engine has losen up quite a bit but still unwilling to rev pass 4000 rpm. My freind told me to wait until 10000 mile before putting in synthetic oil. I know some poeple has no trouble putting in synthetic from day one while some insist synthetic prevents normal engine break-in. Any comment?

normal engine break-in period is at most 1,000 miles, not 10,000!!! You're good if you ask me...

Hey I'm interested. I heard someone mention that synthetic is preferred for manual transmissions. Whats the reason? Also, I have a 2002 LX with about 800 miles on it. I haven't done anything to it besides refueling. Let me know if there is anything I should do before the 3K oil change. Thanks

CoreDump...your engine is UNWILLING to rev past 4000 rpm? sounds like you other problems to me.....once we hit the end of the breakin period (1000 miles) it ZOOMED right up there to 6000.....and does it regularly now.

:D

Sir Nude

I feel my engine is unwilling to rev pass 4000 based on my previous experience with a 92 Integra and a first gen MR2. It seems the engines in those cars are more willing to rev high. I can take my engine all the way to the red line w/o problem, but it doesn't feel as smooth as the Integra. I am not sure if it is a problem or normal for our 2.0L. I don't have access to another Protege to compare to. I also realize Honda/Acura makes some of the smoothest I4 out there, so maybe I am expecting too much...

sir NUDE? *looks at self...sure enough...I got my clothes on* :{D

oh. okay...guess I misunderstood....from what I know most Honda's have higher redlines than we do as well.....

the 2.0 we have was originally designes as a truck engine...its very torquey.....it really makes it power from about 3500 to 6000 rpm.....IF I am in a hurry...or just goofin off....I love to play with mine in that rpm range.....if you shift at 6K and keep on the power....the rpm rarely will dip below 4k.....feels wonderful too!

Well you should probably change your oil now if you already haven't. During the break-in period, there will most likely be little chunks in the oil from the engine getting ... ya know, broken in hehe. I'd put in normal oil for another 7000 km after you change it now, and then after go with synthetic.

Sorry, Sir Nud... err, i meant Nuke. It must be that glass of exipred milk I had this morning... :p And thanks for the explanation/suggestion.

you be MORE than welcome Mr Dump....lol :{D

dealership service centers usually tell people to wait till after 10K miles to change to synthetic actually. I am not sure why. I was told this, as was my friend with a focus. Most cars tell you to change the oil after 500-1000 miles, but ours didn't. This is usually due to metal shavings and such that are in the engine from the manufacturing process and such. Our book said the first change is at 3K miles. I have put just over 10K miles since Nov. when I got the car, and will switch to synthetic at 12K miles.

i thought the manual says every 5000 miles change oil, and at 7000 if you drive in these crazy "optimal" conditions.

Do the dealers have to be the ones doing the oil changes for us with warranties? I don't trust these san antonio people. I bet if I gave em some synthtic to put in my car they'd save it for themselves.

My dealer said the same thing. Don't change to synthetic until at least 10K. The reason we don't have to change the oil after the first 500 miles is that our engines are run in at the factory and the oil changed before they ship. I'm changing to synthetic at 12k also.