Originally Posted By: tc1446
Having just bought a '13 Accord 4cyl, I began reading a Honda Accord forum and some readers on there insist that Honda uses a special break-in oil and that it must be left it till the MM tells you its time to change. I'm of the old school that believes in early oil changes and
doubt that anything is special about the oil, particularly since local dealers pedal Honda Semi/Syn 0W-20 for oil changes, and plan on changing at least by 5K.
Do any of you know for a fact what oil Honda uses in their new Accords and whether theres anything "special" about it?
I went through the exact same thing with our '11 V6. Since there had been reports of problems with Honda's VCMs, I decided to follow their instructions to the T and document everything. I got VOA reports on both Honda Genuine oils, the blend and full syn 0W-20. I replaced the FF at the recommended 15% which was 6300 miles (it should be longer in your 4 cyl) and got it tested. I bought HG Full Syn, OE filters and crush washers to do my own OC's. My second oil change was done after 6400 miles, again at 15%. I tested the oil again.
Here are the facts. The factory fill is nothing special. It has a lesser ad pack than HGFS (you can search for my threads if you want to see the documentation). However, the FF does end up with a high moly content and Honda is quite insistent that you leave it in until the MM tells you to change it. The moly is not from "assembly lube". It is from moly impregnated piston skirts Honda began installing on both 4 and 6 cyl engines for MY 2011. This mod was announced in a Honda press release. Since they've had problems with oil control rings In the past and obviously believe that exposure to high moly loads during the first OC cycle is part of the cure, why would you want to ignore their advice? Because of some speculative scuttlebutt you read on the Internet?
I can also tell you with certainty that HGFS is a very good oil, superior in additive content to the FF. Having tested this product, I am now confident in leaving it in to 0% which should be around 8,000 miles on a V6.
And finally, my Honda V6 VCM engine burns zero oil and runs great, although 14,000 miles obviously hasn't told the full story yet. Follow Honda's recommendation to leave the FF in for the first full cycle. Use a quality 0W-20 synthetic oil such as Honda Genuine to replace it when the time comes. You will enjoy many years and miles of motoring pleasure.