Has the CRV oil dilution issue been resolved?
2 Answers
CRV oil dilution has not been resolved. Below is a detailed introduction to the CRV oil dilution issue: 1. The 2019 CRV model has seen significant improvements, but the 1.5T engine remains the same as before, with no substantial changes. Some owners in northeastern and northwestern regions still report oil dilution and emulsification issues. The oil problem in the 2019 CRV has not been completely resolved. Honda has officially acknowledged that this engine has a fundamental design flaw. Simply replacing parts, using better oil, adjusting the scale limits, or optimizing the control program cannot fundamentally solve the problem. 2. The 2017 CR-V is equipped with a 1.5T direct-injection turbocharged engine. During the engine compression process, some gasoline adhering to the cylinder walls enters the oil pan under pressure. As the engine operates and the oil temperature rises, this gasoline evaporates and re-enters the combustion chamber for re-combustion and emission. However, if the oil temperature is low, the gasoline evaporates slowly, causing some gasoline to remain in the oil, leading to an increase in the oil level.
I previously experienced engine oil dilution with my third-generation CRV, but models after 2019 have largely resolved this issue. The main solution was Honda's upgrade to the ECU programming for the 1.5T engine, adjusting the fuel injection timing and warm-up logic. During winter short-distance driving, gasoline is less likely to mix with the engine oil. I've specifically observed that now, even after a 10-minute short trip at -15°C, the oil dipstick level remains stable. I recommend older model owners visit a dealership to update the ECU. Additionally, avoid prolonged short-distance driving in cold temperatures and allow the engine to fully warm up during highway driving, which will significantly improve the situation. For maintenance, it's best to use low-viscosity 0W-20 oil and check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers for safety.
