I've been doing alot of reading and some people say to use synthetic oil and others say use the "normal everyday" motor oil. The reason I'm asking is because old Herc is coming due for an oil change.. Also how do get the oil filter out of there?? It looks like a tight squeeze unless I take the battery out..

Hal

I have used many oils byt the smoother ride was with a CASTROL synthetik 10 or 15-50....

Not any difference only the engine was quiter!!

You can use whatever you decide you want to use. If you like a particular oil or brand or weight then use it. Theres no special rule for the sporty.

I always take the battery out when taking out the oil filter. It's alot easier to get to the filter and it also gives me a chance to clean the terminals & the battery posts. Just make sure you have your oil drain pan under the sporty when changing the filter. It doesn't stay in the filter very well. I also usually shove a rag under the the filter itself. That will help a little bit.

it's baecause of the hassle of getting the oil filter off that I use synthetic. And change every 7500 miles. but again, it's really a matter of personal preference.

If you loosen the evaporative canister and move it slightly forward there is enough room to pull the oil filter out thru the front. No need to remove the battery.

Whether you decide to run dino or synthetic is your choice. The DOHC is easy on oil and isn't fussy as long as you change at regular intervals. I run Castrol GTX 5W-30 year round. I still adhere to 3K mile oil changes because I'm anal and it's cheap insurance. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> My other vehicles have been converted to Mobil 1 synthetic but the Sportage will stay dino.

i use castrol 4x4. as for the oil filter i crack it loose and i use the wife to get it out. she has skinny girly arms <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's all personal preference, I use KY Lube in mine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

If you like KY, you should try Astro-glide...it's a much lower viscosity for these wee little engines <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

How often does everyone tend to change their oil in the sportys? I see Axe does every 3k...

I changed once every 7-8k in my '99 civic Si...but that was a honda

second that on the astro-glide..your wife/girlfriend (husband/boyfriend) will love you for it...everything else becomes obsolete,a little goes a long way....

as far as the engines go,ive ran penzoil in every car ive ever had,and tore a few down. they always looked good inside,just gotta make sure the pcv valve is working or its gunk city no matter what oil you use...i like to stay with 5w-30.little more mpg/power...every little bit counts with these sports. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The last several years, I've run Valvoline Max Life 5W-30 in my cars. I change oil and filter every 4000 (about) miles. It's a little expensive, but it will slow or stop small oil leaks. It's available in dino and synthetic.

I do NOT use Fram filters - if you do a little research on auto oil filters you will find they are the poorest quality design and assembly of any major brand. I stick with WIX filters - no drain down overnight so I don't start the engine dry in the morning.