J96GT

Hello everyone,

I've had it about 20 yrs, but getting many different opinions locally. I wanted expert feedback from the online forums.

The latest,
I shouldn't use 20W-50 oil. ?

Do you recommend the Viper alarm system?

I have a loud, horn type sound that makes the car stall out when I turn on the AC, especially when I first turn it on and the temp gauge is cold. Throughout the day sporadic as well.
The sound stops when I turn off the AC. Could it be the compressor? I had a new compressor installed about 2 yrs ago.

I imagine some of these questions are answered on here. Not sure of the best way to find specifics on here.

Thanks for the advice

Camster

Yes,it could be,and most likely is, the compressor..Check the tensioner pulley as well.
20-50 is too heavy imo. .No reason to go beyond 10-30.

J96GT

Thank you Camster.

Where should I post questions like these on the forum?

school boy

Like Cam said, 20w 50 is a little overkill on most daily drivers in moderate climate. Being in FL where its warmer year around, you could be ok with it. Personally, I run 15w40 "diesel" oil in almost everything from my 2010 civic 1.8 to my 86 c10 with a mild sbc 406. Most "diesel" grade oils will have detergents to help clean the engine and will have extra additives for extra lubrication. Lets put it this way, I ran my civic with 100,000 miles, 5,000 miles between oil changes and it literally looks like new oil coming out. I would run nothing less than 10w30 personally. The main thing is to change the oil routinely and inspect it everytime no matter what you run. This will prolong engine life. Also don't forget about the rest of the fluids in the car, they need maintenance too.
The noise sounds like an ac compressor to me too.

J96GT

Thanks School boy.

I'm also hearing the timing chain from time to time. It's a 1996. Should I replace it asap or is it acceptable to wait a while?

Z28KLR

Me personally I would want to replace the guides/tensioners/chains as soon as was reasonably possible.

It's one of those things, could run fine for years like that (maybe it already has been?) or an accumulation of plastic pieces worn/broken off of the guides could at any time decide to get sucked up by the oil pump and block the pickup tube, starving usually the top end of oil. Then you get to rebuild or buy a new engine is usually how that goes.

J96GT

Thank you Sir.

I'm getting some quotes. If anyone has a mechanic reference in South Florida, please message me the contact.

J96GT

I meant to ask, do the aftermarket compressors last two yrs? This is my 3rd compressor now. It seems too soon for it to go bad. ?
Thanks

Urambo Tauro

Wouldn't be the first time that happened. My parts store compressor failed after 2-3 years, so I'm biting the bullet on a Motorcraft unit.

Camster

Experience has taught me to stay with OEM parts whenever possible.
Premature compressor failure might also be associated with a dirty system.

Regarding the motor,in the olden days,heavy motor oil was put in to help silence noisy parts.