Hey gang,

Sorry for the cross post but I've tried to find this but cannot seem to find a definitive answer.
I've read the factory intervals for break in and followed them religiously but I wanted to get the real skinny on when I should replace the trans, diff and engine oil.

I've read that the diff and transmission must be changed far sooner than the factory says to remove all the metal shavings created by the break in process.

I'm right at 1045 miles so when should I swap the fluids?
Other threads have mentioned how great the LE-607 diff fluid is too. Especially for Atlanta where it's hot most of the year. And for the transmission what's the best fluid?

I want to set this car up for the best performance.

TIA!!!

Minsoo

 

MGRMLN Posted on Jul 25 2006, 02:22 PM
Why don't you follow the maintanace schedule too?
Just asking.


Engine oil => I would stick to the manual.
Diff => LE-607 is good stuff, high EP rating, the right visc spec, but non Honda.
Trans => new trans should work ok with Honda MTF.

For a lot more oil data, read the stickies above UTH

Do not forget that your car is still under warranty.

 

Kind of personal preference on the diff and tranny, so go with your comfort zone. I wanted to get the break in particles out, so I swapped at 2.5K.

Diff looked like it was a smart move, tranny looked like tranny fluid.

I went with the LE and am very happy with the performance. I used GMSynchromesh based on past experience, but you can't go wrong with the Honda MTF either. If I were doing it today I'd try the Amsoil MTF (direct replacement spec).

I'd also say swap between now and 2K if you are going to do it earlier than spec.

I figure it this way, early fluid swaps are cheap, won't hurt, and might help (plus I like doing it)!

 

It's premature for the engine oil and tranny fluid. Wait till the proper first change interval in the book to do the engine oil (3750 miles for the "severe" schedule). Stick with non-synthetic till at least 7500 miles (as per Honda recommendations). Do the diff fluid fluid anytime between now and another 1000 miles from now (at your convenience), then annually after that. The tranny fluid needs no attention for a very long time unless you are not getting the shifting performance you feel you should have.

 

Thanks everyone!

Based on what you guys have said, I'm going to change the diff but leave the trans and oil intervals and just change them at the factory interval. I was just trying to perform preventative maintenance out of love for this car.

Minsoo

 

I would stick to the regular maintenance schedule. Honda would have stated a fluid replacement at this early stage if it was really necessary.

 

I won't be touching the engine oil until the 3750 mile factory interval and even then, I'll be changing with dino oil, probably Castrol GTX until 7500 miles. Then I'll switch to Amsoil.

Not touching the gearbox until the factory 30k.

The diff is one I've read that folks have had a lot of metal come out at even 2000 miles. That I don't want to risk anything here. It's clear these are a weak link on these cars so I'll be swapping in LE-607 at 2000 miles.

Minsoo

 

You won't risk anything regardless, Minsoo. I waited 20K miles to do my diff fluid (which I've been using LE607 in for 3 years now)...

I agree that I should probably have changed it sooner, but you'll be just fine...

Take a look through the oil journals thread for info on lubricants.

 

For the first 6000 miles, keep the original oil that came with the car, this is the Factory Fill Oil. Your car needs that. After that I have been changing it every 3000 miles give or take. The diff fluid change out every 15k per the manual, or sooner if you are tracking it or putting it through hard usage. I haven't changed the transmission yet, I have 47K on it.

 

^ Time for tranny fluid change!