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New Honda 8hp motor and synthetic oil

cbellang

New member
I am just breaking in a new 2010 Honda 8hp outboard motor. I changed the engine oil once and put in regular 1030 oil. I am thinking of switching to 1030 synthetic oil after the break in period. I run my small engine approx. 20 - 30 hrs a week. I usually change the engine oil approx every month and would continue that practise with synthetic oil. I ran synthetic oil in my old 1994 Honda 8 hp motor and it probably has at least 5 to 10 thousand hrs on it, and is still running. Any comments suggesting if this is a good idea (switching to synthetic) or not would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chuck
 
There are several posts addressing this question.

Check the third question under Products on this Honda web site. http://marine.honda.com/faq

That is Honda's reponse.

Realistically, it is your motor, but I would use the standard recommended oil through your warranty period. That would minimize any question if you have a problem.

By that time, your engine will be well broken in (at least 1000 hrs) and the rings should be seated nicely.

Mike
 
I read that page Mike sent you and I interpret it as saying that your oil must meet the SAE and API grades and specs. I also see it as a warning to folks to maintain the change interval required. That was a big problem when synthetics first hit the market.

The obvious advantages that synthetic oils provide does not include longevity. But, people thought that, since they were paying four times more for the oil, they could extend the change interval four times too. That caused a whole lot of "miscommunication" between engine manufacturers and customers when the engines failed.

I see you don't have that problem. It is apparent that you already know to maintain the change interval just as you would with petroleum based oil.

One other problem with synthetics has been oil seal material formulation. Some seals are made from materials that degrade much faster when exposed to synthetics. I don't think that is a problem with the Honda crankshaft seals but I don't know for sure.

So, like Mike said, be careful about your warranty. Cross your I's and dot your "T"'s ( or something like that). Make doggone sure that you keep records and that your practices will hold up under scrutiny if anything goes wrong and you have a claim. In these economic times, even Honda will be selling fewer products and will be watching every penny.

happy boating,
jimmyd
 
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