I have read several post about oil changes and when to do them. Several people have posted that the oil that comes from the factory is "special oil." I just wonder if this is a myth or fact? What could be so special about it? I'm thinking it could be synthetic or maybe some sort of Ester oil. If anyone knows please post. Thanks in advance.

 

the oil from the factory has a little more iron than normal.
this is essential for the engine, and if you read the owners manual, it will tell you when to change that FIRST oil change.

I would really rely on what the owners manual tells you on this first oil change, as it is imperative

 

Sorry that this off the topic of the original post, but I am struggling to find any mention of the first oil change in the User Manual. I see where we may choose to use synthetic oil and to change the oil when the maintenance reminder tells you to, but I can't find a reference to special considerations with the first oil change. Where is that in the manual?

 

In the old times there were special oils for new engines, I think its been a long time since any "break in oil" has been used. Modern engines are made at such tight tolerances that there is really no "break in", thus no need for "special" lubrication.

 

Whenever the MID tells you its time; around 7500 miles.

 

BTW you can see the % of oil life on the MID too, thus you can guess more or less at what milage it will be.

 

if no special warnings about this oil, then the guy's are right. change it when the car tells you too.

 

I just have a hard time believing there is a "Special oil." I'm hoping there is someone who works for Acura that frequents the forum and could shed some light on the topic.

 

^it's not special. it just has a little more iron than oil off the shelf.

 

from the acura owners FAQ site (from acura):

Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?
Your Acura engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.
Acura strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.

 

Yes there is special oil, its break-in oil. Needed for any new engines or even newly rebuilt engines to help with initial wear patterns for the engine.

 

Agree with others.

Follow the car computer. The MID will tell you when you need the 1st and all subsequent oil changes.

 

Follow the MID for the first change, but depending on the oil you use and your OCI, keep it mileage dependent unless you always follow the MID.

 

Here is all of the information provided by Acura on this topic:

See page 2 of the September 1996 Acura Service News:
Don’t Change the Oil Too Soon
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SN/B960900.PDF
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B960900.PDF

See page 1 of the August 2006 Acura Service News:
Factory-Fill Engine Oil Looks Dark? It’s Normal
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SN/B060800.PDF
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B060800.PDF

Also check out this Edmunds article. Section 5 mentions Honda's factory fill.

Top 7 Urban Legends About Motor Oil
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/top-...cat=affiliates

Also check out this Temple of VTEC thread. Posts by JeffX confirm that Honda uses oil from Idemitsu as the factory fill.
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-messa...sage_id=302050

 

 

how many miles is not too soon?

 

AS the church lady used to say: ISNT THAT SPECIALLLL!

 

It is not iron, but Molybdenum. Honda uses higher Moly in the factory oil to help with breaking in the engine (as well as other additives, but iron is not one of them). As for how long, go till the MID is around 5% or less.

For years people were used to changing their oil at 1000 miles or so, to help remove excess metal wear as a new engine breaks in. This is still the case for some makes, but Honda engines need the factory oil in for the entire MID period to begin with.