THIS.
This certainly is not true.
Unfortunately, using any other method is speculation and opinion. While I respect people's opinions, any oil expert will tell you that by looking at oil and smelling it does not tell you the true state the oil is in. When I changed my Si's oil (for the second time) at 7K miles (20 percent left on the MM) of extremely hard driving in temperatures ranging from 115 degrees F to below 30 degrees F, in both high speed driving as well as lots of stop and go traffic over 6 months, the oil was black and had a strong smell of fuel. Just by that observation alone the oil seemed like I should have changed it a long time ago, but analysys from Blackstone labs showed the oil was in excellent condition, had only moderate fuel dilution (1 percent) and could have gone another 3K before changing.
Honda has publicly acknowledged the issue.
Oil dilution is an issue with all DI engines. If your 2.0L has di, then you will have fuel dilution to some extent. That being said, I would disagree with the statement that "Honda does not have it figured out". The fuel dilution issue specifically affected people in cold climates that drove their cars less than 10 miles at a time. Their engines never got a chance to reach operating temp (212 degrees F), which would allow the oil to get hot enough to burn off the excess fuel that got into the oil
That is why I mentioned that as being one of the criteria. Honda also publicly said they fixed the issue. If they actually did not fix it, then it is on them
It's likely affecting our 1.5T. The oil level rises over time after each change, and we are in a temperate location and always drive sufficiently to allow the engine to reach full operating temp.
I agree with you. Honda claims to have fixed it. If they did not, than that is on them. They should have done what Toyota and Lexus has done, use both Pi and Di, which would also address a potential carbon build up issue
The last thing I will say on this topic is that in my 40 or so years of motoring experience, *most* engines, whether DI, SFI. or even carbureted, *consume* oil through blowby and other effects of IC engines. The 1.5T is the only engine where I've consistently observed the oil level rising over time. *Something* is getting into the oiling system, and it isn't coolant.
I am only guessing here, but I think one of the reasons you see this issue mainly in the 1.5T engine is because first of all, it's the most widely used engine (most sold engine), and it's being asked to do more, more efficiently. In other words, give me more power, but use less gas. It's also running at much higher compression than it's 2.0 siblings
Oil should be checked when warm, after driving at least 5-7 miles. As mentioned earlier, varying oil levels isn't indicative of a problem. But something that should be monitored. Overnight and after repeated cold starts, oil level may rise due to both fuel and condensation. Both conditions are reversed after driving lean on a warm motor for several miles, usually while cruising.That brings up a good question. Should we be checking the levels when it’s warmed up or when the engine is cold? I’ve never really given that much thought. I usually change the oil and let it run for about 5 minutes to let the filter fill up and get the oil moved through the engine then check and top it off. But the engine still isn’t really warmed all the way up at this time. But on my 2.0 the level stays on the mark. But on my 1.5t it tends to go up a bit. I do them both the same way.
I agree you need to take your car out at least monthly for a longer drive and actually let it get to operating temp. If you're constantly running cold you're definitely not helping the oil dilution issue. My commute is a short and all city driving, but I make it a point to do some longer trips every few days.
