06-25-2023, 09:55 PM
(06-25-2023, 09:39 PM)m in sc_imp Wrote: I'm trying to see your point. Honda literally banks their reputation on reliability, they have for 60 years. why would they cut corners on the literal 'life blood' of their engines? Having have actually worked at a honda dealership years ago & gone thru some corporate service training, I can tell you they will absolutely take a financial hit (ie sidestep profit) vs damage their reputation. I'm pretty sure their oils are up to the task just fine of protecting their motors, and I certainly have never heard of an oil related failure aside from somebody not filling it enough. I read the info you posted. I also know that Honda will absolutely randomly have dealerships occasionally send oil in for lab testing, I know they did when I worked there (it was a car dealer though). They are absolutely aware of what's in their oil.
Another point is that ZDDP over a certain amount ppm will/can damage 02 sensors and ruin catalytic converters, hence why 'racing oils' or 'diesel oils' have more in them, because it isn't a concern. this is partially a reason why I DONT run VR1 in my CB (the 02 sensor), but do in my old cars. Its also why honda doesn't spec it, you really can't in an emission controlled vehicle. .02
Yes, my flat four air-cooled car uses a single weight SAE30 oil with high zinc content additive to try and give the camshaft/pushrod interface an easier time. When the newer style roller tappet came out in similar engines the oil recommendation was for a very much lower zinc content for the very reasons you mention.