I'm no engineer, but I'd agree with the thinking that the additional cost of using synthetic will probably not amount to any significant reduction of engine wear that we'd realize. Meaning, yeah it's reducing internal wear and tear as compared to using regular oil. But not that we really need it to, as these engines generally will outlast a typical ownership period (in my case, it'll be a lot longer, like 10-15 years). Hell, it should outlast most of the car itself! But, I got a really good deal on full synthetic Mobil 1 5W-20. I think I had something around north of 100 quarts of it at one point. So that's what I've been using (after the first oil change with regular Honda 5W-20) and will continue to use. I'll be at 120,000 miles by the time I burn through my current stockpile. I haven't decided what I'll do at that point yet.

Also, TonyK, a floor jack? Really?
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f...brid-hah-4788/

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Oh, and I mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. My last vehicle, a GMC truck, went 196,000 miles and 13 years on regular 5W-30 oils. It's never had an engine problem or any indication of worn rings. And I drove that thing pretty hard! Lots of cold new england winters, hot Phoenix summers, lots of engine starts when I was using it to make deliveries, towing more than the rated 2,000 pound capacity around city traffic and across the country twice, not to mention the fact that I drove with a lead foot and was always putting the pedal to the metal to accelerate really quickly. With all the stress I put on that engine...

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Hey Bar10dah,

u ask "a floor jack? Really? "

yup, what do you use?

Nothing! Nothing at all. Seriously. I park the car on level ground. Turn the wheels full lock right. Lay on the ground next to the right side of the car, head near the front and feet down by the doors, with my arm directly in front of the wheel. I reach in with my arm and twist off the filter. If you look at the link I posted above, the vantage point of the camera is about where I'm positioned on the floor as I'm doing all this. The engineers at Honda were smart enough to place the filter and oil pan drain plug at a location that's easy to get to without having to raise the car up off the ground. The only real obstacle is buying an oil drain pan low enough to fit under the car.

But, if you have a jack and that works for you, that's more than okay. I wasn't picking on you seriously. Just a little teasin'. In fact, using a floor jack makes it easier and more accessible. But it's not necessary to get the job done, like in most other cars. Hell, you should have seen my old truck. You had to lift the vehicle up off the ground (I used the drive up ramps, as I don't get under a car with just a floorjack. I'd at least use jackstands). Crawl totally under the truck. Reach *UP* into the engine compartment. Not touch the freakin' hot exhaust manifold. Slip your hand through a small opening between components. Try to grab onto the oil filter and get a good enough grip on it to turn it. Then as the hot oil starts to run down your arm, try to pull your hand out of that tight opening and in the process burn yourself on the exhast manifold... Not to mention, oil splattered everywhere. Did I mention, I really like the design on the Accord!

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Bar10dah,

I will have to check that method out. I just always jacked it up like I do the others. Then I just lay under their just about falling asleep waiting for the oil to finish dripping out.

I can see how you go about your process. I will check it out and see if I can reach everything and may give it a go. BUT it will be a longggggggg time till next oil change.

cya
tony