Has the oil dilution issue in Dongfeng Honda CR-V been resolved?
2 Answers
2021 Dongfeng Honda CR-V no longer experiences the engine oil dilution issue. Here are the relevant details: 1. Oil dilution occurs when gasoline flows into the engine oil. When the engine temperature is low, gasoline evaporation becomes less efficient, prompting the ECU to increase the injection pulse width to enrich the air-fuel mixture. However, with increased fuel injection, some gasoline may spray onto the cylinder walls, known as the wet wall effect. When fuel injection is excessive, the gasoline remaining on the cylinder walls may not fully combust and instead flows into the crankcase, causing the oil level to rise. 2. During cold starts and warm-up in low-temperature environments, fuel injection volumes are higher, leading to unburned gasoline flowing into the crankcase and mixing with the engine oil. This issue can be avoided when ambient temperatures are above 0°C. If the vehicle is driven over a longer distance, the gasoline in the oil can evaporate as the engine temperature rises. Therefore, vehicles in colder regions with shorter single-trip distances are more likely to experience oil dilution, while those with longer single-trip distances can evaporate the gasoline in the oil, preventing the issue.
I've been driving the Dongfeng Honda CR-V for almost four years now, and initially, I did encounter the issue of oil dilution, especially after short trips in winter. Checking the dipstick would show an increased oil level. This was caused by the design of the 1.5T engine, allowing fuel to seep into the engine oil, diluting it and affecting lubrication performance. In 2019, Honda initiated a recall program for the Chinese market, providing an ECU software update that adjusted fuel injection timing, effectively reducing fuel mixing. Since the upgrade, my car has been running smoothly, and the dealership confirms normal oil levels during every service. However, if you live in a cold region, I recommend avoiding frequent short trips and checking the oil regularly. Overall, the issue has been well resolved, with significantly reduced failure rates in upgraded vehicles. Personally, I think Honda's response was timely and trustworthy.
