Not really automotive but...

[Whoaru99]

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.

[delcecchi]

What does the fine manual say about break in? I would do that as printed.

[Whoaru99]

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).

[Jeremy airjer W]

Why not run conventional for the first 20 hours and then switch to a synthetic of your choice that meets those standards?

[Whoaru99]

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.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

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....

[Whoaru99]

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.

[Eric Wettschreck]

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.

[shizzy]

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.

[Whoaru99]

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.

[SpecialK]

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.

[Macgyver55]

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.

[quickfish6]

Break it in with Break in Oil and Drain it at the interval that it says. It doesnt stay in very long.