Quick Oil Question

[markus3]

So I'm off to do my first oil change (3600 miles) on my 3S Hatch. The owners guide says to use 5W-20. I can't find if it says to use regular or synthetic. The only reason I am iffy is.....

1) Variable timing is controlled by oil.
2) Some say use regular for first couple oil changes for proper ring seating (break in). Not enough friction from synthetic oil.
3) Don't want to mess with engine warranty issues if anything bad ever happens.

By the way, if you change your own oil and something happens, how can you prove that you've been doing changes at the proper intervals (7500 miles)? This is my first time owning a car newer than 1983, so I"m trying to be very careful. I've heard some terrible stories......

 

[Loose]

Remember...

...the cartrige filter is ONLY available @ the dealer. That is unless you have made the spin-on mod already. (thought)

 

[markus3]

Actually I got the Filter from Murrays. FRAM CH9641. Any idea on oil type?

 

[Sveivo]

Quick answer!

I think you're pretty much past the mileage that you need to worry about synthetic oil messing up your car. According to Redline Oil (redlineoil.com), a performace oil manufacturer, the crucial period is about 1.5-2K miles. During that period it's important to use regular oil for proper piston ring seating, etc... If I were you I'd use regular oil for a while longer (a couple of oil changes) and then move onto synthetic.

Just to have the peace of mind.

 

[Sveivo]

Also, if you get your own oil and filter, an oil change will be like 14 dollars. It is really worth it changing it yourself?

Another point, if you are going synthetic, I'd get a better oil filter than fram (purolator is good), and a good air filter.

 

[Loose]

I'd get a better oil filter than fram .

Oh boy I agree!

 

[RonH]

Actually I got the Filter from Murrays. FRAM CH9641. Any idea on oil type?

You say you have a 3s hatch. That engine uses a cartridge oil filter, only available from the dealer the last I heard. Keep your hands off of the project until you buy the right filter, or maybe face a blown engine. It's better to be safe, than sorry.

On type of oil, the engine comes from the Mazda factory with 5w-20 Motorcraft semi-synthetic oil.

My.02

 

[PWR SHFT]

I come from the old school so I changed my oil at ~500 miles and I will do it again at ~1500. At that point, I will switch to synthetic and go every 3 to 4k miles. Its overkill, but thats the way I do things.

 

[goldwing2000]

RonH: CH9641 is the correct Fram cartridge filter for the 2.3L engine.

Markus3: RonH is correct that the car comes with 5W-20 Semi-Synth from the factory. Murray's sells Motorcraft 5W-20 Semi-Synth for $1.99 per quart.

Since you're shopping at Murray's, you must be somewhere around SE Michigan. Yes?
Be sure to check out the Michigan Forum:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=128
We have a fun drive coming up in a couple weeks that you might be intersted in.
(thumb)

 

[PWR SHFT]

By the way, if you change your own oil and something happens, how can you prove that you've been doing changes at the proper intervals (7500 miles)? This is my first time owning a car newer than 1983, so I"m trying to be very careful. I've heard some terrible stories......

All you have to do is keep a log and save your receipts. They can't void your warrenty for doing your own maintanence as long as you have your log and your receipts.

 

[prboy3]

Totally recommend synthetic motor oil...used Royal Purple on mine and its a noticeable difference.

my .02

PRBOY3

 

[tsunami]

i use redline and love it....

as far as people who say that the 3s uses spin on... i believe they changed that with the 05 model if i am not mistaken and those people can use any spin on brand they want...(bastards i should just change that i guess but i like the mystery of a cartridge..??)

(headbang) post # 420... hehehe.... (smoke)

 

[Loose]

(headbang) post # 420... hehehe.... (smoke)

Well, you do live in Maine...(thumb)

 

[markus3]

Goldwing 2000, thanks for the web link for Michigan events. I'll be out of town though. It's either the Montreal F1 race or the USGP F1 race. I'll be at both, and one of them is that weekend. I'm in the Farmington Hills area in Michigan. Thanks for the info about semi-synth oil from the factory. Who makes the Mazda OE oil filter?

 

[tsunami]

Well, you do live in Maine...(thumb)

whats that supposed to mean...??... (naughty)
(poke) you live in florida so you must be old right...??...hehehe... jk...

(jacked) i know i know....

 

[Loose]

(uhm) I grew up in Waterville.

Wasn't looking for a (fight)...

...and yes I am "old". Just more opportunities here that's all.

PS Sorry for the thread jack.

 

[tsunami]

(uhm) I grew up in Waterville.

Wasn't looking for a (fight)...

...and yes I am "old". Just more opportunities here that's all.

PS Sorry for the thread jack.

was totaly jokin man.... its maine we are all laid back here.... and yeah i deffin understand about the opportunities thing... was plannin on movin myself until some other options arised...

back to the thread....

 

[goldwing2000]

Who makes the Mazda OE oil filter?

You know... I have absolutely no idea. (dunno)

We will be having fun drives every month until the snow flies. Keep an eye on the forum and hope to see you in the future!

 

[Gambino]

i use redline and love it....

as far as people who say that the 3s uses spin on... i believe they changed that with the 05 model if i am not mistaken and those people can use any spin on brand they want...(bastards i should just change that i guess but i like the mystery of a cartridge..??)

Is this true about the filter being changed in 05?

 

[goldwing2000]

I've heard yes, I've heard no, but not gotten any official confirmation one way or the other.