My 93 Honda Del Sol Si (1.6L, AT) has 78K on it. When I bought at 73K 15 months ago, it there was no history of a fluid change on the 4 spd auto, but a relatively good oil change history. I did a complete tune up, changed timing belt & water pump & all fluids at that time. The AT was drained, refilled, drove a bit, then drained & refilled using Honda AFT.) When the transmission was drained a small rectancular peice of metal came out. Took it to several transmission shops & they had no idea what it was. At any rate it seems to work fine lthough sometimes the shifts are a bit harsh & it occasionally takes 10-20 seconds to go into overdrive once I hit 60 on the freeway.
I have been thinking about doing some improvements but wanted to make sure the drivetrain was in good shape before investing in suspension & cosmetics. I generally am not a hard driver, about 60% of my mileage is 2-4 mile trips in uncongested urban traffic, rest highway.
Here are my fluid analysis from Blackstone:
Transmission fluid: Copper was the dominant metal in the first sample from your Honda's transmission. This metal tends to show wear at the clutch plates and at 154 ppm, it is well above average, especially with only 5,500 miles on the oil. This is something to watch closely next time. All other metals read below universal averages, which are based on an oil run of about 16,000 miles. We suggest changing this oil and resampling in another 5,000 miles to monitor. No moisture or insolubles were present.
Motor oil (Motorcraft semisyn blend 5W20): Lead increased in the latest sample from your Del Sol. Lead is 45. Was 8 at 73K, average for this unit is 4. This level shows some lower end bearing wear. If the air filter is clean, check for cracks or leaks past the air filter. You mentioned that you. do mostly city driving. That can contribute to high bearing, but likely doesn't explain this big of an increase. These aren’t failure levels, but it is something to watch. We suggest having this oil changed and resampling in 3,000 miles to monitor. The TBN read 2.0 so you still have a little active additive left. Check the CEL code to rule out anything there. Changed oil when this analysis was done.
Despite these depressing reports, the car seems to run fine, averaging 30- 32 mpg. The only obvious problem is the CEL often comes on after 3-5 miles on the highway.
I plan to keep this as a daily driver for 2-4 more years & average about 4,000 miles a year & planned to change to oil once a year. I am not into engine & transmission swaps. So what do you suggest in terms of oil & ATF to help nurse as many good miles out of this drivetrain as possible? Thanks
I have been thinking about doing some improvements but wanted to make sure the drivetrain was in good shape before investing in suspension & cosmetics. I generally am not a hard driver, about 60% of my mileage is 2-4 mile trips in uncongested urban traffic, rest highway.
Here are my fluid analysis from Blackstone:
Transmission fluid: Copper was the dominant metal in the first sample from your Honda's transmission. This metal tends to show wear at the clutch plates and at 154 ppm, it is well above average, especially with only 5,500 miles on the oil. This is something to watch closely next time. All other metals read below universal averages, which are based on an oil run of about 16,000 miles. We suggest changing this oil and resampling in another 5,000 miles to monitor. No moisture or insolubles were present.
Motor oil (Motorcraft semisyn blend 5W20): Lead increased in the latest sample from your Del Sol. Lead is 45. Was 8 at 73K, average for this unit is 4. This level shows some lower end bearing wear. If the air filter is clean, check for cracks or leaks past the air filter. You mentioned that you. do mostly city driving. That can contribute to high bearing, but likely doesn't explain this big of an increase. These aren’t failure levels, but it is something to watch. We suggest having this oil changed and resampling in 3,000 miles to monitor. The TBN read 2.0 so you still have a little active additive left. Check the CEL code to rule out anything there. Changed oil when this analysis was done.
Despite these depressing reports, the car seems to run fine, averaging 30- 32 mpg. The only obvious problem is the CEL often comes on after 3-5 miles on the highway.
I plan to keep this as a daily driver for 2-4 more years & average about 4,000 miles a year & planned to change to oil once a year. I am not into engine & transmission swaps. So what do you suggest in terms of oil & ATF to help nurse as many good miles out of this drivetrain as possible? Thanks
