Oil Dilution prone Honda 1.5L Earth dreams - Would 0W16 be a better choice over specced 0W20?

[kschachn]

Among many theories about why the Hondas are putting so much fuel into the oil pan is that the temp of the engine is too cool. And a further theory goes that the 0W16 works by bringing the engine up to temp more quickly.

I'm not saying I buy any of this, but was wondering opinions.

Thicker oils bring the engine up to operating temperature faster than thinner ones.

 

[FZ1]

Try M1 AFE or Pennzoil Ultra in 0w-20 they are 8.8 vis oils ,or, M1 EP it's a durable 8.6 oil. Fuel dilution thins oil so you need a thicker grade oil to start out with so when the oil thins you still have enough MOFT to protect your engine parts.

 

[Chris142]

One would think a thicker oil would be better. I'd stick 20w-50 in one if I knew it was going to get thinned out

 

[PimTac]

One would think a thicker oil would be better. I'd stick 20w-50 in one if I knew it was going to get thinned out

Probably not a good idea. Why not a 30 grade?

 

[Astro14]

Scotty Kilmer has said in a couple videos that using 0W16 would help with the OD problem that lots of Honda engines deal with. Any evidence for this being true?

I have an 18 Honda CRV 1.5L that is prone to such problems.

I can’t tell if you’re serious.

You’re suggesting that a thinner oil will handle dilution better?

As it thins out from the fuel reducing viscosity?

 

[Astro14]

I noticed the oil level above the full mark after winter #2 with the CRV. Then I got the recall work done to "correct" the problem, and haven't seen the oil level rise since. But, we also are sure to take it on the longer drives we make to get it up to temp for miles. Plenty of stories of folks experiencing oil dilution after the "fix" though. Not me (yet).

Among many theories about why the Hondas are putting so much fuel into the oil pan is that the temp of the engine is too cool. And a further theory goes that the 0W16 works by bringing the engine up to temp more quickly.

I'm not saying I buy any of this, but was wondering opinions.

In a perfect world less fuel would make it's way into my oil pan that needed "burning off."

Flat Earth is a theory, too.

Makes about as much sense as some of the theories posted on enthusiast forums.

 

[WeyounDS9]

Scotty Kilmer has said in a couple videos that using 0W16 would help with the OD problem that lots of Honda engines deal with. Any evidence for this being true?

I have an 18 Honda CRV 1.5L that is prone to such problems.

You do NOT adresss oil dilution issue from fuel via going to thinner grade.
Thats one of the craziest things Scotty Kilmer has ever said.

In germany many shops recommend even going one grade thicker than factory spec for those engine prone to it or seeing a lot of long intervals and or stop+go.

In one of his youtube episodes Motoren zimmer the world renowned Mercedes benz Master tech and AMG engine rebuilder, alluded to fuel dilution getting the factory fill 40 weights down to 30 weights which in his opinion was "too thin" and he says he sees engine problems due to that.
Its in german but if people want I can try to find the clip.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I noticed the oil level above the full mark after winter #2 with the CRV. Then I got the recall work done to "correct" the problem, and haven't seen the oil level rise since.

What was Honda's fix?

 

[ZeeOSix]

Scotty is not a reasonable source.

Many of the people spouting off about oil on YouTube don't even understand the basics of tribology. Same goes with most of the oil filter spouters on YT.

 

[The Critic]

What was Honda's fix?

There was a software update that became available a few years ago. It did help the severe cases a bit.

 

[Chris142]

Probably not a good idea. Why not a 30 grade?

30 might not be enough.

 

[Oliveoil2]

Everyone here “knows” what’s best for fuel dilution…..thicker oil. I’m not so sure. I’d try 0-16 for two OCI’s and report back with UOA’s. Otherwise it’s just blather.

 

[kschachn]

Everyone here “knows” what’s best for fuel dilution…..thicker oil. I’m not so sure. I’d try 0-16 for two OCI’s and report back with UOA’s. Otherwise it’s just blather.

As I noted, physics matters. Not unsubstantiated blather. Try it sometime.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I would never go thinner than thinnest oem spec.

 

[sk_pete]

Short trips around college campus

when walking went out of fashion ?

 

[OVERKILL]

Everyone here “knows” what’s best for fuel dilution…..thicker oil. I’m not so sure. I’d try 0-16 for two OCI’s and report back with UOA’s. Otherwise it’s just blather.

I can't tell if this post is just an epic troll or if you are serious? As @kschachn noted, physics matter, if your oil is getting thinned by fuel, starting with a thinner oil, so it ends up even thinner, is a great way to introduce a connecting rod to the space outside the engine. This doesn't require a UOA, just the ability to apply common sense and basic reasoning skills.

 

[wemay]

The largest CRV forum by far is CRVownersclub.com. But don’t bother researching fuel dilution there: the topic is banned, new threads will be closed and members can be banned. You see, the problem has been “solved” and there’s no point revisiting the issue.

If this is true, and i have no reason to doubt it, I couldn't belong to that Forum. Just ridiculous. Unless, of course, every new post/member has asked the same thing hundreds of times seemingly without using the search function.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Everyone here “knows” what’s best for fuel dilution…..thicker oil. I’m not so sure. I’d try 0-16 for two OCI’s and report back with UOA’s. Otherwise it’s just blather.

If 0W-16 works better, then 0W-8 should be even better.

 

[OVERKILL]

If 0W-16 works better, then 0W-8 should be even better.

Ignore all doubts, just run straight gasoline!

 

[ZeeOSix]

I can't tell if this post is just an epic troll or if you are serious? As @kschachn noted, physics matter, if your oil is getting thinned by fuel, starting with a thinner oil, so it ends up even thinner, is a great way to introduce a connecting rod to the space outside the engine.