engine oil

[323driver]

just a stupid question. I use 10W30 oil for my engine but the temperatures are a bit too cold so the car has trouble starting cause the oil gets thick. I have an oil leak and i have to add oil from time to time. I just want to know if it is harmfull for the engine or not to mix oils and add 5w30 which is more suitable to -30C temperatures. I use the chepest oil i can find that week since it leaks out anyways. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks

[323driver]

forgot to mention that i want just to add the 5w30 oil to the 10w30 already inside without flushing the engine.

[goldstar]

forgot to mention that i want just to add the 5w30 oil to the 10w30 already inside without flushing the engine.

You can add 5W-30 to the 10W-30 that's already in your engine with no problems. I was going to say you ought to use synthetic oil to solve your cold-start problem but since you have an oil leak that's probably not a good idea.

[323driver]

thanks, that`s cool. On another note, does anybody know what is the difference between ATF Mercon lll auto tranny oil and ATF Mercon ll. in the Haines manual, they say to use Mercon ll oil for auto trannies but I have Mercon lll at home. Can I use it or i'de better off getting Mercon ll (to make sure, i have an auto). Also, in the repair manual, they say to change the tranny oil filter. Does anybody have a pic or description of that cause i have never seen one.
Thanks

[goldstar]

The Mercon III is fine to use. It's an improved version of the II. You won't have any problems with it. You can also use an ATF suitable for Dexron III and Mercon V. Sorry, I can't help you with the tranny filter on your car.

02 DX Millenium Red

[323driver]

Thanks alot goldstar. That`s a lot of helpful info. I'll use Dexron lll oil when i change the oil next weekend. I`m not sure though if i have to change the pan gasket if I open the tranny oil pan. I guess i won't, it`s not leaking yet.