I'm trying to figure out how many quarts of oil I need when I do a change - I've heard from 3.5 quarts to 4 quarts, but want to 100% POSITIVE before I do it - This car is running a million times better than I expected BEFORE any changes, and I don't want to screw it all up by putting in too much oil!
(BTW: Using Valvoline MaxLife 5W30 w/High-Milage Fram filter)

 

3.75 qrts

 

i do 3.5

 

Thanks for the advice! Was running a LOT smoother once I got the MaxLife in it, and was doing 'the speed limit (in my head)', and all of a sudden all my gauges and odometer completely died, and about 500 yards later, so did the car (On an interstate highway, on an on-ramp median!) - The 'Battery' light started flickering all day today before this happened, and I assumed that it needed a new battery - I had one brought to me, and swapped it right there in the breakdown lane, and she started right up, and made it the 30 miles home, but the battery light is STILL on, and I'm hoping like hell it doesn't mean I need to get a new alternator! Is it 'normal' for the dummy light to stay on after a new battery is installed, or am I screwed?

 

The "battery" light is actually connected to the alternator, and indicates a problem with it. The car is not charging the battery, and the new battery is going to run down. Likely there was no problem with the old battery, it just ran down. Start by checking the alternator belt. Since you have a 1997, check your fuse 15 and wiring on the back of the engine (search for "fuse 15 problem"). If it's neither of those, replace alternator. If you like to tinker with stuff instead of spend big money right away, you could try replacing the brushes in the alternator.

 

Well, checked Fuse 15 (Not blown), checked the wires (No shorts, etc there), so it looks like an alternator is my only option - Trying to even find a '97 Civic in the junkyards around here is impossible, so I've realized, and as for replacing the brushes ... Let's just say that I love working with my hands, but I am more used to building computers - LOL - I wouldn't even know where to BEGIN, and with my luck, waste a day just to find out I screwed up SOMEHOW - Never fails, buy a good used car for a great price, and it runs perfect for a week, then EVERYTHING starts to go on it ... At least I was able to fix the IACV, which the kid who sold me the car said needed to be replaced (And he's a 'backyard mechanic' :-P)