Does the Honda CR-V experience engine oil dilution?
3 Answers
If there is a coolant internal leak or incomplete fuel combustion malfunction, the engine oil level may increase. The issue of oil dilution can be resolved through repairs. The causes of engine oil dilution are as follows: Water mixing into engine oil: In the various circulation systems of a vehicle, water and engine oil are originally separate. However, if there is damage to the cylinder head gasket, seal ring failure, cylinder sleeve cracks or pores, or aging/corrosion of sealing materials, water vapor or coolant can enter the crankcase. This causes water vapor or coolant to mix with the engine oil, resulting in the appearance of increased oil level. Essentially, this isn't actual oil increase but rather contamination by other substances. Gasoline mixing into engine oil: If gasoline isn't properly atomized in the cylinder or if the fuel injector delivers excessive fuel, unburned gasoline may remain. After cooling, these form oil droplets that enter the crankcase through the oil control rings. When mixed with engine oil, this naturally causes the oil volume to appear increased.
Oh boy, as a CR-V owner who bought mine in 2018, I actually encountered that notorious engine oil dilution issue. Didn't pay much attention at first, but after driving a few thousand kilometers, I noticed the dipstick showed overfilled oil with a faint gasoline smell, and starting became harder. Did some research online and turns out it was a common problem affecting many 2017-2018 models. The root cause was the 1.5T turbo engine's unburned fuel during cold starts seeping into and diluting the engine oil. Honda later issued an urgent recall - they upgraded my car's ECU software for free and modified the fuel injection system. It's been several years now with no issues since. Pro tip: regularly check your dipstick and contact the dealership immediately if oil level appears high. Addressing this hidden danger makes driving much safer. When buying, choosing a newer model can save you a lot of headaches.
Similar situations have been encountered multiple times at work. The oil dilution issue in the Honda CR-V primarily affects the 1.5T engine models from 2017 to 2018. The problem occurs when the engine operates at low temperatures, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, allowing gasoline molecules to mix into the crankcase oil, causing oil volume expansion and reduced lubrication performance. Long-term use can accelerate engine wear, resulting in increased noise or starting difficulties. Honda's solution was to recall the vehicles to replace software modules and some hardware, adjusting fuel injection parameters to prevent fuel leakage. It is recommended that owners check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers and seek immediate repairs if abnormal oil levels or odors are detected. The new CR-V models have optimized designs that have largely resolved the issue.
