Whoaru99 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 has the topic of using, or not, synthetic oil for break-in been settled yet? Picked up a Honda generator this weekend so I'm attempting to make it as complex as possible by struggling with the decision of what oil to put in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delcecchi Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 What does the fine manual say about break in? I would do that as printed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whoaru99 Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 Nothing specific for break-in, other than first oil change at 20 hours.Honda apparently neither approves nor rejects use of synthetic oil, saying on their HSOforum that all their tests are using conventional oil and that any oil used must meet or exceed the spec in the manual (which in this case is API SJ or newer). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy airjer W Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Why not run conventional for the first 20 hours and then switch to a synthetic of your choice that meets those standards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whoaru99 Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 Yeah, that's what I'm thinking at this point. Seems like the local small engine place might carry Honda oil so I'll probably just get a pint or quart of that for the initial fill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOHNBIGDOG Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Everything that I have heard is that Synthetic oil is to "slippery" for break in, and it may take a lot longer for the engine to properly be broken in. But honestly, Change your oil per the OEM and the conventional should be just peachy.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whoaru99 Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 Part of me thinks that break-in thing with synthetic is an old wives' tale. I think it was probably true back in the day of plain old iron rings or worse yet, chrome rings. But, with today's technology and materials advancements I'm not so convinced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Wettschreck Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Boat motor and generator are apples to oranges, I realize. However, when I overhauled a Johnson outboard a few years ago the service manual was pretty specific in stating do not use synthetic oil for break in. Again, 2 stroke vs 4 stroke, outboard vs generator, real different engines. Just tossin out what the service manual said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizzy Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 isn't conventional oil going to be cheaper? if you have to change it out after just a few hours of service, I'd want to waste less money in the process. No harm would be done by running conventional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whoaru99 Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 It would be a little cheaper but the thing only holds like 12oz of oil so it's not like we're talking about the difference on 5 quarts.Picked up a bottle of Honda conventional oil and am going to use that for starters. Then maybe change to something like Amsoil's Z-Rod oil that has a big load of anti-wear additives, or maybe the 10W-30/30W small engine oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialK Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Those Honda EU generators are really tough. We had 3 EU2000i in the desert in CA for 5 years running on the dirt (intake vents are on the bottom) and only changing the oil once a year with the Honda stuff. They are still running strong. These were / are used by military folks who don't really care and the worst thing we had happen was they broke 4 pull ropes and the plastic housing once.Run the conventional Honda stuff and never look back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macgyver55 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 SpecialK said: Run the conventional Honda stuff and never look back. I agree....My Honda literally has 1000+ hours on it with Honda oil changed twice a year. Still runs perfect and uses very little if any oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickfish6 Posted December 7, 2012 Share Posted December 7, 2012 Break it in with Break in Oil and Drain it at the interval that it says. It doesnt stay in very long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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