On 01/01/2010 12:38 PM, Joe wrote:
> On 2010-01-01, Elmo P. > wrote:
>> In >,
>> > 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...
>

while the dealer is the safest long term bet, i have to say, they're not
infallible. last time i paid someone to change my oil, it was san
francisco honda - they had a special offer and i was in a hurry. they
munged it pretty bad - they forgot to check the old oil filter seal
wasn't still stuck to the block, which of course it was. when the new
filter went on, that was /two/ seals in place, and naturally, one burst
as soon as oil pressure built. oil sprayed all over the engine
compartment, contaminated all my belts, got onto the radiator so it
clogged with dust, and got all over the exhaust ready to leave a smoke
trail for the next couple of miles. complete fiasco.

so, if you're not doing this stuff yourself, take the elmo approach -
find someone competent, experienced, and who knows their business. then
stick with them.