I'm trying to maintain my Neon thats got 194k. So I was wondering if you guys can give me your opinions on a few things.

What type of oil should I use? the factory recommends 5-W30 but it's old so I have been mixing in 10W40 & 20W50. If thats mistake please let me know.

My transmission, when engine is cold, doesn't go into reverse gear right away, it takes like 5 seconds then I get a huge bang when it pops into gear. I was wondering if that could be tranny trouble or my bad motor mount?

Also when I replaced the spark plugs they had oil on them, and I read on this forum in the Neo FAQ about replacing the seals but is it really a big deal to replace them?

its not a good idea to be mixing oils i would suggest swapping over to mobil 1

as for your transmission its probably way over due for a new trans fluid along with new filter

your spark plugs have oil on the because the seals on the tubes are bad its not really a big deal at all its just 10 bolts 10 mill socket for them dissconnect the pcv system hoses and disconnect the distributer i would recomend replacing the valve cover gasket while you are at it aswell!

damn 10 bolts that a project :p

nah thanks for the info but about the oil are you referring to mobil 1 synthetic?

I'm trying to maintain my Neon thats got 194k. So I was wondering if you guys can give me your opinions on a few things.

What type of oil should I use? the factory recommends 5-W30 but it's old so I have been mixing in 10W40 & 20W50. If thats mistake please let me know.

My transmission, when engine is cold, doesn't go into reverse gear right away, it takes like 5 seconds then I get a huge bang when it pops into gear. I was wondering if that could be tranny trouble or my bad motor mount?

Also when I replaced the spark plugs they had oil on them, and I read on this forum in the Neo FAQ about replacing the seals but is it really a big deal to replace them?

1.) USe 5w30, don't be stupid and put a thick oil in there for no reason, you are just ruining your engine.

2.) Go get a new filter and fluid in your transmission. Hell, do you even check the level? Check it with the engine running hot in park.

You keep neglecting it and putting ridiculous thick oil in it and it won't last longer.

Stick to what the manual says and stop changing it when you don't know what you are doing.

1.) USe 5w30, don't be stupid and put a thick oil in there for no reason, you are just ruining your engine.
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I was using thicker oil because of high miles and knocking and I wanted more protection for my engine then 5w30, I was looking for a logical explanation not accusations...

1.) USe 5w30, don't be stupid and put a thick oil in there for no reason, you are just ruining your engine.
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I was using thicker oil because of high miles and knocking and I wanted more protection for my engine then 5w30, I was looking for a logical explanation not accusations...

1.)Thicker oil doesn't stop piston slap. It makes it worse seeing it slows the engine from warming up as fast.

2.) Oil starvation from thicker oil will lead to a quicker engine death.

Thicker oil doesn't provide more protection, is actually reduces protection.

How do we know this guy has an auto tranny?

How do we know this guy has an auto tranny?

Actually read the thread.

He said it has a slow engagement into reverse and a bang into reverse.

This is an auto for sure or he would have talked about the clutch.

Actually read the thread.

He said it has a slow engagement into reverse and a bang into reverse.

This is an auto for sure or he would have talked about the clutch.
Well we could assume that, but not everyone is good about describing problems with their cars.

:lol:

Thanks for the explanation.

My 2 cents, at 194K the engine may be held together be carbon deposits.
Mobile one may clean it out and cause massive hemorages from the valve guides, rings and gaskets. Once is starts smoking/leaking, there is not going back, you will need to do a rebuild or get another engine.
If M1 has always been used in it, continue to do so.

I just use cheap walmart oil

I just use cheap walmart oil

Stick to a 5w30 and change the PCV valve.

Also, get that tranny filter and fluid changed ASAP. Harsh shifts are a sign of high line pressure from worn out thick deposit laiden tranny fluid and a plugged up filter.

Have you checked the tranny fluid level yet?

Do it with the engine idling hot and in park.