The right engine oil for your Honda outboard, for a longer lifespan and optimal performance
Choosing the right engine oil for your outboard motor is essential to guarantee optimal performance and a long lifespan. The right choice of oil keeps your motor running smoothly and also helps to minimise wear and tear, rust and harmful emissions. So which is the best oil to choose? How often should you change your outboard motor oil? And when? You’ll find all the answers in this blog post!
Two-stroke v. four-stroke motors
There are two kinds of outboard motor: two-stroke and four-stroke. These terms refer to how the engine works and have an impact on its performance, the choice of oil and the maintenance the engine requires.
Honda only has four-stroke outboard motors in its range. These outboard motors have a more efficient fuel consumption and cleaner combustion. They are quieter, with a longer lifespan. The lower emissions make this type of outboard motor more environmentally friendly than two-stroke motors. You can find out more about Honda’s outboard motors in the blog post “Honda’s 4-stroke outboard: cleaner, quieter and more economical”.
When is the best time to change the oil in your outboard motor?
The right time to change the oil in your outboard motor depends on several factors, such as the type of motor, frequency of use and environmental factors. Generally speaking, the start and end of the sailing season are ideal times.
- Before the sailing season: It’s sensible to change the oil in your outboard motor at the beginning of the sailing season. This ensures that your outboard motor is ready for intensive use over the summer.
- Before winter storage: If you don’t use your boat during the winter, be sure to change the oil before you put it into storage. Old oil may contain acids and impurities that can cause corrosion in the motor over the winter.
How often should you check and change the oil in your power tools?
The interval at which you should change the oil in outboard motors varies depending on the type of motor and how you use it:
- New motors: Change the oil after the first 20 hours of use to remove any metal particles and impurities resulting from the period of first use.
- Regular maintenance: For Honda motors, we recommend changing the oil after every 50 to 100 hours of use, depending on loads and environmental factors. See the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for more information.
- Infrequent use: Even if you don’t use the motor very often, it’s important to change the oil at least once a year, preferably at the beginning of the sailing season.
What four-stroke engine oils does Honda offer?
Honda has two types of oil for the four-stroke outboard motors in its range: the 10W30 API SJ and the 5W30. Both are designed to offer optimal performance and protection for your engine, but they differ in composition and applications.
10W30 API SJ
High-performance engine oil developed for four-stroke outboards.
- Good protection against wear and tear.
- Good antioxidant action to protect the motor parts and keep them clean.
- Long-lasting protection against engine stress, helping the motor run more smoothly.
- Improved detergent effect and dispersion. This keeps the motor clean and maintains power and fuel efficiency.
- Good anti-corrosion and anti-foaming properties.
5W30
Synthetic four-stroke engine oil with excellent performance that protects the motor at both low and high temperatures.
- Specially developed formula that can stand up to high motor temperatures. This oil provides an effective reduction of oxidation and oil vapours to prevent the formation of sludge and deposits. It reduces oil and fuel consumption and minimises the emission of exhaust gases.
- The unique formula makes it easier to start the motor, with excellent start protection and reduced wear and tear in comparison to conventional engine oils.
- Superior anti-wear performance and protection for pistons, bearings and gear in transmission components. Increases shear stability.
- Effectively neutralises the acids and combustion by-products that occur in small motors.
- Superior rust prevention, which is especially important in seasonally or infrequently used motors.
Car engines versus marine motors: very different oil requirements
Don’t just use your car engine oil in your outboard motor. They’re not the same at all: the outboard motor of a boat has very different maintenance requirements to a car engine, due to the specific conditions in which the two engines operate.
- Car engines:
- Working conditions: Usually in controlled, dry conditions, with relatively predictable patterns of loads and usage.
- Oil requirements: Car engine oil is designed for constant temperatures and less extreme environmental conditions than those an outboard motor is put through.
- Marine outboard motors:
- Working conditions: Outboards often operate in damp, salty environments, leading to corrosion and oxidation. They also need to be able to handle frequent load changes and run at low revs for long periods of time.
- Oil requirements: Marine motor oil, such as Honda Genuine Marine Oil, is designed especially to resist corrosion, extreme temperatures and damp. These oils often contain extra additives to prevent rust and extend the motor’s lifespan.
Why opt for Honda Genuine Marine Oil?
Honda Genuine Marine Oil offers certain unique benefits that makes it ideal for use in outboard motors:
- Designed especially for marine environments: Honda Marine Oil is designed to perform in saltwater environments, providing additional protection against rust and corrosion, which are a common problem in outboard motors.
- Superior oxidation resistance: This oil has excellent resistance to oxidation, which means that the oil will last longer without breaking down, even when exposed to high temperatures and humidity.
- Protection against wear and tear: The high levels of additives to reduce wear and tear ensure that moving parts of your outboard motor are always protected, even under heavy loads. That keeps your motor running reliably for longer.
- Easy starting: The oil is formulated to provide smooth, reliable starting performance even after periods of inactivity, which is especially important with seasonal use.
- Emission reduction: Like other Honda oils, Honda Marine Oil is designed to minimise emissions. This helps to reduce your impact on the environment, especially in delicate marine ecosystems.
Want to know which motor oil is best for your Honda outboard motor? Contact your dealer for the best advice. Or book an appointment for periodic servicing now.
