Question on Honda fluids?

[beemerphile]

...There are no documented failures proven to be caused from using Honda fluids in a Honda.

Honda Z-1 ATF, after a lot of problems, was replaced with Honda DW-1 ATF which has its share of problems as well. The 6 speed trannies in my 2016 Pilot and 2018 Ridgeline will never see Honda ATF again. The 2016 Pilot cooked the DW-1 to coffee color in less than 30K miles. If you want to drain and fill the ****** at each oil change you can do ok. But there are much better fluids out there (such as Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle + a couple ounces of Lubeguard 61910 and AMsoil Signature or OE Synthetic ATF).

 

[htmdude57]

OP here. I got the new radiator and new power steering pump installed. I found Honda compatible power steering fluid, and bought several containers so I could flush the system. I found compatible transmission fluid and topped off the ****** due to the slight loss from the ****** cooling tubing in the bottom of the radiator. The ****** fluid is compatible with a bunch of different types and cars. See back label.

Unfortunately, as another writer said, after starting the engine, I had a leak in the high pressure ps line, where it transitions from steel to rubber hose! Dang. Now I have to replace that hose. Looks like a ***** of a job.

 

[mrvm]

OP here. I got the new radiator and new power steering pump installed. I found Honda compatible power steering fluid, and bought several containers so I could flush the system. I found compatible transmission fluid and topped off the ****** due to the slight loss from the ****** cooling tubing in the bottom of the radiator. The ****** fluid is compatible with a bunch of different types and cars. See back label.

Unfortunately, as another writer said, after starting the engine, I had a leak in the high pressure ps line, where it transitions from steel to rubber hose! Dang. Now I have to replace that hose. Looks like a ***** of a job.

VML has decent track record for compatibility and improved shift characteristics with Honda transmissions on several forums. The high pressure PS could be a bit challenging but if the winter stays mild you’ll have a better shot at it.

 

[htmdude57]

OK, good about the valvoline atf, but I only topped it up with about half a quart. For changing the hp hose, I am working in a garage, with a heater. However, I have the car up on blocks- don't have a lift. I'm not looking forward to the repair- I can barely see the fitting on the ps rack, and I don't know if I'll be able to get my hands in there. And then, if I can't get the fitting unscrewed or strip it? I'm going to take a look at that Piloteers forum.

 

[bubinga]

of course honda doesnt make any fluids. but surely they have their own recipe for some of the fluids, just as every manufacturer probly does. . maybe a one size fits all parts store 'asian' formula is still good enough. who knows. its virtually impossible to know whats in the bottle.
if theres a acceptable equivalent or alternative, the owners manual usually mentions it. motor oil for example. transmission and perhaps power steering may have no equivalent and only honda stuff is recomended.
at the end of the day its your car. put aunt jamima syrup in it for all we care

I would not recommend pancake syrup in the crankcase or power steering system.

 

[bsaint]

Seriously how much is it to replace a head gasket vs using Honda coolant lol.

 

[engineer2]

I can barely see the fitting on the ps rack, and I don't know if I'll be able to get my hands in there.

A metric crowfoot flare nut wrench set is handy. Astro makes a nice one.
If it rounds off, you might try vice-grips.