Oil and oil filters on a Honda 50 EFI

J

jack keifer

New member
This question is for a Honda Tech, if there is one out there. The C-Squirt has a Honda 50 EFI. When I did the last oil change, I noted the Honda filter was $15 which adds a lot to cost of the service. The primary use of the C-Squirt is trolling. Generally that means at lest 3 hours at idle for every hour underway. We always start and end our trips on plane so the engine is thoroughly warmed before and after trolling. Average fuel consumption is slightly more that 3/4 gallon per hour. So we use about 75 to 80 gallons per 100 hours. I do use and will continue to use the Honda filters for reasons covered elsewhere. However I am looking for an opinion on changing the filter every other oil change. The oil at change has only slight discoloration and no fuel odor, so does not appear to be getting any fuel dilution.
Thanks fro any insight.
Jack
 
I am a long way from a Honda Tech. My rule of thumb is to change motor oil every year, or every 100 hours, which comes first (for outboards). With low fuel usage such as yours, I would only change the filter every other time. Keep in mind that some engines (mainly diesels) will run for years without being shut down, and they use a good filter system, which allows for changing filters, without shutting the engines down. There are some "add on" filters, such as Gulf Coast Filters, which claim long intervals between changes.

If you are not going to use a motor for several years, then change the oil before shutting down (best time to change is before longer storage interval) and putting a storage additive as well as fogging the engine before prolonged storage.
 
Go to NAPA and you can find one of their filters for less $ than the official Honda brand. Just give them the Honda number and they should be able to help. Likewise oil. Look at the specifications of the oil and you can find a perfectly good non-Honda brand that will give you the same protection.
 
I use Sierra filters in my BF40's Like Bob mentioned, I change the oil at 100 hr intervals and change the filter every other time or at least every fall. Every fall I change the fuel and oil filters, spark plugs, and lower unit oil and look for anything else that needs attention.
The 40's seem happy!

Carpy
 
IMHO, it's like crossing a flooded road, "IF IN DOUBT, CHANGE IT OUT", the price of a filter is insignificant wrt a big engine service! :mrgreen:

On edit: Gee whiz Jack, you recently thought you ran out of fuel because you weren't sure how much your tank held or how much was in them... :cry Spend a few bucks! :roll:

Sorry if it seems as if I'm picking on you, not trying to! :oops:

Charlie
 
Back
Top