[maynyrd150]

I didn't see much proof here that people are into changing their own oil, but as my first new car I was curious to see what the oil looked like after 3500 easy miles. Especially considering the oil dilution issues they've had in the past. This was my first encounter with the aluminum crush washer that Honda uses on the drain plug to prevent over-tightening and ensure a good seal. I didn't notice it was their until I emptied my drain pan into a local trout stream and saw it there. Good news is, the new surfaces sealed and no leaks. But something to watch for. Honda part number 94109-14000 if it gets lost.

 

[Syrophenikan]

I caught your joke! Good one!

 

[hasarad]

I change out the crush washer every time. It's only a few cents.

#slipperyfish

 

[gerryzub]

I bought 100 of those crush washers on ebay for about 8 or 9 dollars. This car has a very large diameter oil plug. Much bigger than I ever saw before. The crush washers I already had were all too small for this cars plug.

 

[insightfully]

Speaking for myself, I'm MANY miles away from being at the ~10k miles at which oil change is suggested (15% life remaining)... so definitely haven't changed oil yet on my own.

I think the oil dilution issue has been specific to Honda turbo-charged engines, which the Insight does not have... so hopefully this supports not feeling concerned about this risk.

It sounds like you've already successfully completed your oil change, but if helpful, hasarad also offers some helpful tips for self-directed oil change. The thread also discusses some pros/cons of oil change timing and type.

 

[maynyrd150]

Speaking for myself, I'm MANY miles away from being at the ~10k miles at which oil change is suggested (15% life remaining)... so definitely haven't changed oil yet on my own.

Hey, whenever the mood strikes. Don't get me started on this round number thing. I'm an engineer, I get it. They're easy to come up with and remember. But I change when its gets dark/dirty and was definitely not waiting 10k on the break in change.

 

[insightfully]

Hey, whenever the mood strikes. Don't get me started on this round number thing. I'm an engineer, I get it. They're easy to come up with and remember. But I change when its gets dark/dirty and was definitely not waiting 10k on the break in change.

Fair enough... it's YOUR car, after all! The 10k estimate is based on 'normal' driving and average among members who've reported. But the car has its own oil life indicator calculated based on driving conditions, which is not a one-size-fits all round number scenario at 10k miles.

There's been discussion in this forum and Civic forums about factory oil containing higher molybdenum content, and that changing early can offset some of the protective benefits. What oil did you end up using for your oil change?

And to clarify, are you saying that at 3.5k miles, your oil was already contaminated and you suspect oil dilution to be the issue?

 

[maynyrd150]

There's been discussion in this forum and Civic forums about factory oil containing higher molybdenum content, and that changing early can offset some of the protective benefits. What oil did you end up using for your oil change?

That may be true. Page 564 says that Honda oil is formulated to improve fuel economy.


I haven't had any problems. I'm just being fastidious DINGDINGDINGDINGwordoftheday but I just used Meijer brand 0W-20 full synthetic (Warren Oil, OK) and a Fram premo guard filter. I think I'll skip the filter every-other change.

 

[maynyrd150]

Right on. The manual suggests that too. Definitely good to have some on hand.

 

[insightfully]

That may be true. Page 564 says that Honda oil is formulated to improve fuel economy.

I haven't had any problems. I'm just being fastidious DINGDINGDINGDINGwordoftheday but I just used Meijer brand 0W-20 full synthetic (Warren Oil, OK) and a Fram premo guard filter. I think I'll skip the filter every-other change.

Was wondering - in your 3.5k miles of driving, how much would you estimate actual gas engine use to be?

I think my gas engine runs <50% of the time, but I drive primarily in Econ mode. If my estimate of ~50% engine use is correct, only 5k miles of engine time would be logged by the time I've driven 10k miles on my car... thus my comment about personally being "many miles away" from my first oil change.

 

[maynyrd150]

Without a doubt 90% of the time. Its winter and I've been using remote start every time I go any where. Lots of idling especially in cold temps where water vapor is condensed is hard on oil. Half of my 50 mile commute is rural express way and I run it fast, so it spends very little time in EV. I'm interested to see what warmer temps bring out of it.