Honda Marine Engine Oil

J

Jon - CLou

New member
Does anyone use any other type of engine oil for their Hondas other than Honda Marine oil? I spoke to a tech guy today at our Port Angeles Honda shop and he was telling me to make sure that whatever oil you use, it should say something about SL standards on the product. This fellow also said,"if you don't use oil that says SL standards on it, you'll be tearing your engine apart because of all the carbon build up". I think I used Valvoline 10-30 w last oil change so I'm hoping I didn't screw up to bad.

Dang, I wished Les worked at our Port Angeles Honda shop.
Jon
 
I have done a little research on the net and found that most name brand oils have the American Petroleum Institute SL Standards seal. SL refers to a group of laboratory and engine tests. I'm not sure what special properties Honda Marine oil has in it, but at $4.00 a quart (Port Angeles Honda Shop) you would think it's special.

Ok you mechanic wizards, what's this Port Angeles dude missing?
Jon
 
Jon":3d0pjhi6 said:
...what's this Port Angeles dude missing?
Click to expand...

Sounds to me like you're missing a couple bucks a quart if you're buying Honda oil, mister.

But I could be wrong. It will be interesting to hear what Les has to say. I wonder what flavor of oil he put in the TyBoo Hondas last month?
 
Here's what the Honda Owner's Manual for the 90hp says:

Use 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. ... SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. ... The SAE oil viscosity and service classification are in the API label on the oil container. Honda recommends that you use API SERVICE catogory SG, or SH oil with the “starburst” certification mark displayed on the container.

I'd be really interested to hear from Les on this, and on a FRAM or like filter number which is a Honda equivalent.
 
The 10W-30 oil I use in all my gasoline engines is rated SL and therefore exceeds the SG or SH needed in the Honda 50 outboard, or the SK required by my Honda EU3000isA generator.

It's difficult or impossible to find obsolete spec motor oil like SG.

Honda Marine's website FAQ notes the engines are designed to run on petroleum based, not synthetic oil.

-- Chuck
 
Chuck,

Totally agree that 4-stroke outboards run great on petroleum based oils. IMO, as a dealer with obvious bias, I think they run better on good synthetics. Less friction, better resistance to heat, etc. Sythetic mixes fine with regular oil, and is even sold in a 50/50 mix. Some of the newer hi-tech autos require synthetic... but for our CD's not sure it's a big deal. At the price of the new outboards a few extra bucks for oil isn't even a hiccup, so I use it.

Dusty
 
Chuck-

Well, my last Honda engine a 50hp. was at almost a 1000hrs. when I sold it to a co-worker. It's now at roughly 1500hrs. and still going strong....all on Mobil 1 synthetic after initial breakin.

My twin Yamahas got switched over to Mobil 1 synthetic after their initial breakin and at only 360hrs. each...no problems. I switched to Yammys just because at the time I liked a couple of features they had....nothing against Honda's....they're really good also.

I see some guys are even using synthetic in their little Honda EU2000 generators on one of the RV and Motorhome sites.

Never heard any bad things about the stuff....only the good.

Dan and Jan on Flat Iron
 
Dusty,
This is good news to me. I use synthetics in all of our other vehicles, but I couldn't find any info on using it in the Honda outboard. If you're using it, that's good enough for me. What brand do you use?
Lyle
 
AMSOIL of course, Lyle! But Mobil ! is more available and a good one. The double filter system on the truck and van both work great -- never change the oil, just change the set of filters once a year. Oil stays like-new clean. Les sez many 18-wheeler truckers use the same system. A friend's van just turned over 300,000 miles using the double filter setup and is still like new..

Lyle, I may have misled on my use of synthetic in the Hondas. When they are serviced at EQ they use Honda oil. When I change or add I use synthetic.

Dusty
 
Lyle,

Ill leave the Honda outboard oil recommendations stuff to Les! EQ is the Honda dealer -- I just happen to be an Amsoil dealer because I use so much of the stuff and like it.

Kind of interesting, though, on a locally prepared race car they picked up a few more HP on the dyno using synthetic...

Sometimes I should just listen and shut up!!

Dusty
 
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