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first time here and pointed this way by a friend after I asked about on twitter.

I've got a 1998 Honda Accord LX 4-cyl 2.3L with 230k miles approximately on it. I try to take decent care but I've slipped up on oil a few times, always able to get another quart into it until I do a change.

My question is, I'm afraid there may be a leak. My last change was about 4 months ago and it's gone significantly down in oil level since then, down to 1 quart approximately. I've added 1 quart to satisfy the oil light until I change, but I needed advice on which weight and brand of oil to get, and what type of filter is a good recommended brand?

I'm also considering spark plugs, as I've not changed mine in about 4 years, though I don't know how big of a deal that is. It's been about 50k since I've replaced them.

I've got additional maintenance that'll be much, much more expensive in the future, but these are somethings I need to do right now. I'm sure transmission work and a new clutch are in the future. I love the car even though she's not that pretty in some spots, but no wrecks ever so I'd like to keep her for a while; car payments on a future vehicle scare me with my income level.

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  • You might want to start with the owner's manual: owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/1998/Accord-Sedan/manuals
    – Bob Cross ♦
    Commented Oct 26, 2013 at 20:37
  • If it has lasted 230K whatever you have been doing thus far is working. I would check the oil level on a more frequent basis. Most oil lights won't come on until you are down two or more quarts. The closer you are to full the better.
    – mikes
    Commented Oct 26, 2013 at 21:20
  • It's actually been mine since 155k, prior owner used dealership for everything and I can't afford that so I'm trying to do all maintenance myself.
    – Kay Ohtie
    Commented Oct 27, 2013 at 0:29

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My question is, I'm afraid there may be a leak. My last change was about 4 months ago and it's gone significantly down in oil level since then, down to 1 quart approximately. I've added 1 quart to satisfy the oil light until I change, but I needed advice on which weight and brand of oil to get, and what type of filter is a good recommended brand?

Have you tried checking underneath the car for fluid leaks? At 230,000 miles on a Honda, oil consumption is normal. I'd avoid synthetic on an older car. It tends to leak out faster. I'd just use whatever is recommended in your manual.

I'm also considering spark plugs, as I've not changed mine in about 4 years, though I don't know how big of a deal that is. It's been about 50k since I've replaced them.

They might be like new or they could be shot. This depends several factors (running rich, excessive idling). Pulling plugs on a Honda is fairly easy. Here is an interesting article on spark plug wear (http://www.ngk.com.au/spark-plugs/technical-information/spark-plug-analysis). This can give you an idea on how your car is running as well.

I've got additional maintenance that'll be much, much more expensive in the future, but these are somethings I need to do right now. I'm sure transmission work and a new clutch are in the future. I love the car even though she's not that pretty in some spots, but no wrecks ever so I'd like to keep her for a while; car payments on a future vehicle scare me with my income level.

Has the timing belt & water pump been changed? This is very important.

What kind of transmission work are you referring to? Fluid change or a rebuild?

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