Can I refill the motor oil from the cap without draining it and change the filter?

Hi,


I just bought an 95 Honda Civic DX 131k miles. I changed the oil when I bought it and today after 2k miles I noticed the level from the dipstick is low. Is it common? No leaks/smoke but engine is greasy. Can I just refill it directly from the cap or I should go to a garage every 2000 miles to drain and change the oil?


ThanksCan I refill the motor oil from the cap without draining it and change the filter?
No need to take it in for oil/filter changes every 2000 miles...older vehicle are often prone to requiring more oil than they once did.





As long as you are leak / smoke free then you can feel comfortable adding the needed amount(s) of oil.





I would recommend you check the oil every other fill up (or each time if you prefer)





My first car was a 1982 Toyota Celica GT and did the same thing - probably about every 1500 miles or so. I would keep a couple quarts of oil and just chk at fill-ups and add when needed.





My second car, funny enough, was a 1995 Honda Civic EX Coupe and toward the end of owning this car - about 120k, I also noticed some additional oil requirements - no leaks, no smoke, just needed a littlt more oil.





As far as the greasy engine, I would recommend purchasing some Engine Bright (orange) at your local auto parts store. Make sure to cover all electrical components the best you can (I use trash bags and recycled store plastic bags). You can use a garden hose with a spray attachment to rinse the Engine Bright and whala - clean engine! I also take a rag and polish up the areas that will make a visual difference.





Some people will take the vehicle to a local self-wash and treat the engine there using the high pressure sprayer - if you go this route - use the ';rinse'; option so you do not damage the engine components and/or spray water into non-water areas.





The 1995 Honda Civic ROCKS ! Really nice selection as this was the last year before the new body style and is a TRUE and RELIABLE HONDA ! ! !





PS: Oil / filter changes on the 95 Civic are REALLY easy - just purchase an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter(s). Remember - only use the wrench to remove the old filter - only hand-tighten the new filter after placing a thin layer of oil around the seal.





You can purchase the service manual at any local auto parts store or buy the computer version on ebay for about $10





http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995-to-1鈥?/a>








Best of luck - and enjoy a great car ! ! !





:-)Can I refill the motor oil from the cap without draining it and change the filter?
sounds like you are using oil. rings or valve guides.





check compression on all cylinders and consider a valve job.
You can just add oil this time but next time have the oil and filter changed. Keep the oil in the proper range on the dipstick and cange the oil every 3-5 k miles
Trying to get it; You bought the car with 129K on it? How low is it? With the car on a Level spot Slowly add oil to the Full Line on the Dipstick, ';Steam Clean The Engine!'; so you can check for leak.
You can add a little oil if you need to between changes.





but If you are losing alot of oil... you should probably look into it. see where its going..maybe you have a small leak.
You can top up the oil without changing it and the filter Yes. When you do change the oil and filter be reminded you have to either fill the filter with oil before installation or fill the engine till full on stick, start engine and run for approx 30 secs, stop the engine and wait 1 min approx, then top oil up until level on stick is correct.
It's not uncommon to have to add oil between changes. as long as it's not excessive just top it off and it'll be fine.
Its common for it to what i call burn off a half quirt in 2000 miles with that many miles if its not leaking,smoking just keep fluid in it will be fine. THAT CAR WILL GO FOR 250.000 MILES!! GOOD LUCK !!!