Oil and oil filters on a Honda 50 EFI

jack keifer

This question is for a Honda Tech, if there is one out there. The C-Squirt has a Honda 50 EFI. When I did the last oil change, I noted the Honda filter was $15 which adds a lot to cost of the service. The primary use of the C-Squirt is trolling. Generally that means at lest 3 hours at idle for every hour underway. We always start and end our trips on plane so the engine is thoroughly warmed before and after trolling. Average fuel consumption is slightly more that 3/4 gallon per hour. So we use about 75 to 80 gallons per 100 hours. I do use and will continue to use the Honda filters for reasons covered elsewhere. However I am looking for an opinion on changing the filter every other oil change. The oil at change has only slight discoloration and no fuel odor, so does not appear to be getting any fuel dilution.
Thanks fro any insight.
Jack

thataway · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 1:45 pm Post subject:

I am a long way from a Honda Tech. My rule of thumb is to change motor oil every year, or every 100 hours, which comes first (for outboards). With low fuel usage such as yours, I would only change the filter every other time. Keep in mind that some engines (mainly diesels) will run for years without being shut down, and they use a good filter system, which allows for changing filters, without shutting the engines down. There are some "add on" filters, such as Gulf Coast Filters, which claim long intervals between changes.

If you are not going to use a motor for several years, then change the oil before shutting down (best time to change is before longer storage interval) and putting a storage additive as well as fogging the engine before prolonged storage.

colobear · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 2:14 pm Post subject:

Go to NAPA and you can find one of their filters for less $ than the official Honda brand. Just give them the Honda number and they should be able to help. Likewise oil. Look at the specifications of the oil and you can find a perfectly good non-Honda brand that will give you the same protection.

bcassal · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 4:21 pm Post subject:

I use Sierra filters in my BF40's Like Bob mentioned, I change the oil at 100 hr intervals and change the filter every other time or at least every fall. Every fall I change the fuel and oil filters, spark plugs, and lower unit oil and look for anything else that needs attention.
The 40's seem happy!

Carpy

westward · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 12:08 am Post subject:

Be sure to use marine oil, which encapsulates water. Non-marine engine oils allow water to separate. Mike

BrentB · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:10 pm Post subject:

I was under the impression the difference was due to additives

from
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

BrentB · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:44 pm Post subject:

Marine oil spec sheet is located
at
http://www.nmma.org/assets/cabinets/Cabinet456/FC-W%20Combined%20Certification%20Procedure%20Manual%20%289%2006%29%20%282%29.pdf

other interesting info
at
http://www.nmma.org/certification/certification/oil/fc-w.aspx

Interesting NMMA does not address the plethora of fuel additives but I am biased and see all of the hype

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 5:59 pm Post subject:

IMHO, it's like crossing a flooded road, "IF IN DOUBT, CHANGE IT OUT", the price of a filter is insignificant wrt a big engine service! Mr. Green

On edit: Gee whiz Jack, you recently thought you ran out of fuel because you weren't sure how much your tank held or how much was in them... Cry

Spend a few bucks! Rolling Eyes

Sorry if it seems as if I'm picking on you, not trying to! Embarassed

Charlie