WTB: OEM Honda Fluids

Hello!


Anyone know of a site that sells OEM Honda Fluids (Coolant, MTF, Brake
Fluid, etc.)?

Also, should I replace my fluids with OEM stuff or does anyone suggest an
aftermarket fluid. I understand that I should stick with OEM Coolant, but
what about stuff like MTF and Brake fluid? Would it make a difference
either way?

Thanks!


TB

 

It doesn't cost that much more to stick with the OEM, coolant and brake
fluid and MTF, I think it will increase seal life.

Tom.

 

Last year I tried to locate an online site for OEM Honda coolant but then
someone here pointed out to me that shipping a gallon container of the stuff to
an individual residence probably violates laws. A phone call to one online
company confirmed that they do not ship coolant.

The consensus here does seem to be that OEM coolant will preserve your car's
water pump better (especially the shaft bearings?). My water pumps have not done
well on green Prestone and the like, so this reinforces the viewpoint that OEM
coolant is better. Yet I do happen to be experimenting right now with the orange
Dex anti-freeze, as the Dex company says it's good for aluminum-based engines
and Japanese imports. After a year and 17,000 miles, so far so good. I also plan
to start changing out the coolant more often than recommended, like two years or
20,000 miles.

I bought Honda power steering fluid at an Autozone last year and added a half
cup or so. No problems so far. I have had Firestone shops flush my brake system
a few times, and I don't think they use anything special for brake fluid.

What's your manual say for manual transmission fluid (MTF)? My 1991 Civic
requires just a certain weight of motor oil. I use Pennzoil. Never had any
problems. The car has its original clutch after 150,000 miles (not that the MTF
affects the clutch all that much).

Sites for Honda parts that might have what you want:

http://www.honda-auto-parts-wholesale.com/

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/home.htm (great drawings of parts, even if
you don't plan to buy)

http://www.hparts.com/part.html

http://www.ahmotor.com/

 

I would advise you to buy it from the parts department of a Honda
dealership. You might ask the supervisor of the parts department if there
are any local shops that sell the proper kinds of fluids that you need.
Those employees make the same amount of money whether or not they sell you
something. I've gotten some excellent advice from the supervisor of the
local parts department at the Honda dealership.

 

Hi Bill,

Just want to add my own data point: This is not true of all car dealerships'
parts departments. The parts guys often make money on commission. Often most or
even all their salary is commission.

Do you know for a fact that all Honda Dealers' Parts people are paid a flat
rate, without regard to parts sales?

Parts clerks certainly can be very knowledgeable, and are not necessarily
pushing the most expensive part. Some know good counsel is as or more likely to
bring customers back, even if the part they are selling at the moment is the
less expensive version. On the other hand, some dealership owners will fire
Parts Department managers and assistant managers who don't sell enough. It's a
cutthroat business. The service and parts departments are barely a step above
the car salesmen when it comes to lying to make a sale, from what I've seen.

 

Thanks for all the information Caroline. The 98 Civic may use 10w30 or
10w40 as a temporary replacement for MTF.

TB

 

Bad advice

 

Mostly out of curiousity, could you elaborate on which advice is bad and why
it is bad advice? What would the good advice be?

Jason