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Breaking in new S2K

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Old 01-11-2001, 03:02 PM
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Hi,

my car (Silver/Red) will be delivered next week. I already sat in it, it only had 13KM (8 miles)
on the odometer.
So I read everything I could find about breaking in the S2K.

The dealer says: leave oil till 10.000KM
Faq at S2KI says: "Leave that engine oil in past 3,000 miles but take it out before 6,000. Depending on driving style. "
Another FAQ says: Between 1000 and 1500KM.
(it's on http://www.honda-s2000.de/02forum/einfahr2.html)
The handbook says nothing special except of course
not to rev over 5500RPM till first 1000KM.

Of course I'm inclined to believe Honda
but I'm curious where all info comes from.

Also somebody mentioned that there's molybdene in the break-in oil?

Grtx Ronald
Old 01-11-2001, 03:36 PM
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Dunno where the info comes from but I can give you my 2c worth.

Stook, changed oil and filter at 1000km (the oil change is part of the standard Australian 1000km free service - I paid extra for the filter).

In Oz we also have a service manual which spcifically overrides the owner's manual and is far more stringent on servicing intervals. Basically the service manual says if you are predominantly doing city driving (I commute in my Stook) then a 5k oil change is the go. I personally make sure the filter is replaced at the same time.
Old 01-11-2001, 03:51 PM
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Go with the Honda manual.....it will help if you have warranty issues for any reason. It is true there is Moly in break in oil but there are other "additives" also. A piston has several rings. Some maintain combustion pressure on the head end and some prevent oil migration from bottom end. The break in oil more effectively "wears in" the interface between the piston rings and the cylinder wall. Changing this oil prematurely or abusing the RPM's may result in an ineffective sealing of the skirt seal. A few S2K's have had engine failure and this is one theory as to the cause.
Old 01-12-2001, 04:54 AM
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UtahS2k,

i think you're right. But it's still unsetling
whether to leave the break-in oil after 1000KM yes or no.
I definitely go with the dealer on this.

I really want to do what's best for the car,
so I probably go with whatever Honda says.
Especially since I take the 7 yr/150.000 KM
extended guarantee. Yhen it's especially
important to maintain the car to Honda's
rules.

Ronald
Old 01-12-2001, 07:37 AM
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Don't forget to check your oil and top it off from time to time.
I'd do that every 200-500 miles....I guess that's around 300-750 km.
I don't see why you have to change oil at 1000km. It really doesn't make much sense.
Perhaps, it's 10,000km? (a bit much, but as long as you top it off, I don't see why not)
Old 01-12-2001, 08:15 AM
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Leave the oil in until 7500 miles. It is a special lightweight oil designed to increase friction during break-in. If you change it early the breakin will not complete and consequently your car will burn oil forever! This comes direct from a service engineer at Honda.

The engine parts need to rub together for a while to properly seat against eachother. This forms a proper oil seal. Switching to a slicker oil (like Mobil 1) early will prevent the seal from forming, thus the burning of oil. You can't buy this special breakin oil at your local auto parts store, it only comes from the factory.

I suspect that many of those which are experiencing oil burn now changed their oil too early. Also check your oil often during the first 7500 miles. The lack of a tight oil seal in the beginning means you will burn oil. This will decrease as the parts seat but you should check your oil everytime you fillup. VTEC also burns oil so if you VTEC often and run at high revs check your oil more often.
Old 01-12-2001, 08:52 AM
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Originally posted by cthree:
[B]Leave the oil in until 7500 miles. B]
c3- any conclusions as to the time side of this oil change at certain mileage/time? if i wait until 7500 miles, the car will be an antique! my car is 5 months old and only has about 2,000 miles... do you think that i should still wait for 7500?
Old 01-12-2001, 08:58 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by wanabe:
[B] c3- any conclusions as to the time side of this oil change at certain mileage/time?
Old 01-12-2001, 10:09 AM
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Doesn't the manual say 3,750 miles for "severe" driving conditions?
Old 01-12-2001, 10:17 AM
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Originally posted by Jay Li:
Doesn't the manual say 3,750 miles for "severe" driving conditions?
Yes, and if you read what Honda defines as "severe" you'll find that most of us here fall into that category.

10W-30 fully synthetic motor oil and oil filter changes at 3,750 miles intervals is the way to go.


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