On 2010-01-01, Elmo P. Shagnasty > wrote:
> In article >,
> Tegger > wrote:
>
>> It has not been established with 100% certainty that the factory fill is
>> indeed ordinary off-the-shelf motor oil. It might be slightly different
>> from off-the-shelf, but nobody really knows. For that reason I would leave
>> the factory fill in until the Minder says to replace it. After that, change
>> it /more/ often than required if you like. And always use an OEM filter.
>
> And for God's sake, people, don't think you know what you're doing--or
> that your father knew what he was doing--and continue to use the same
> crush washer on the drain plug. Use a new one every time.
>
> Even better if you follow the service manual and tighten the drain plug
> with a torque wrench to the specified torque. I'm happy to know that my
> DEALERSHIP mechanic, a true professional technician, does that every
> time. (Yeah, that's right--I request this guy for everything, even oil
> changes.)
>
> Going back to what jim and Tegger said, Honda says to use a new crush
> washer for a reason. Is that five cents REALLY going to break you? If
> so, you need to reconsider your car purchase.

Yup. It's the main reason that I get my oil changes done at the local
Delta Sonic car wash chain (they added oil-change and other
maintenance services at several locations). MANY chains will do
things like ignoring the recommended oil, use inferior filters, and
never change the crush washer. This place does better service for oil
changes than my closest dealership, so I stick with them. The price
is the same, but the service is better.

It makes sense to be informed. Talk to the technician doing the work
before and after. Make sure they're not cutting corners...

--
Joe - Linux User #449481/Ubuntu User #19733
joe at hits - buffalo dot com
"Hate is baggage, life is too short to go around ****ed off all the
time..." - Danny, American History X