Yet another oil change question: prior to storage
 

I just had the car out for a good run today: I got 'er home and drained the oil, removed the filter etc. The drain plugs are in, the new filter is on, the gas tank is full with some stabilizer in it. So, do I simply put in 12 litres of oil now and not start/drive it?

I would fill it solely because if I did not, I would foolishly try to start it in the spring with no oil.

Thanks Harry; I have all intentions of putting oil in it now, actually I have about six litres in at this time. The questions is; do I start it and run it up to temp to get an accurate fill level or do I just fill with 12 litres and run/check the level in the spring?

When I do mine, I put in nine and then after driving check and top up as needed but my car only holds about 11+. I think yours holds a bit more so to be safe, just put 10 in and check it next year. Being a liter or so low is not really going to hurt you.

When I put mine away I do drive for awhile to circulate the new oil. You really don't need tired old dirty acidified oil sitting in contact with all your precious bearings for 6 months. That way you also make sure the fuel filter, injectors and lines have the stabilized fuel in them. You may have a hard start if the filter is full of stale fuel. Some will also go a bit further and pull the spark plugs and spray a bit of oil (or WD-40) into the cylinders and crank the car over (without starting) to coat the cylinder walls and pistons with oil to prevent rust.
Another question is whether to replace the oil again in the spring. Some will tell you that the oil ages as it sits and degrades over the winter, even if you don't start the car.
Last spring when I went to start my car the first time I started by removing the coil lead so it wouldn't fire and cranked it for three seconds, just to make sure everything was moving freely. Then I replaced the ignition wire and Vroom! Picked up just where we left off before winter.
Bon Chance, Henri!

Here's something I always ask when this subject comes up....

When you drained the oil....why didn't you put the old oil in a gallon milk jug or other container...to find out how much came out ? Can't go wrong with "in = out" volume.....too simple ???

????

- Wil

Yes, that would be a simple means of determining how much to put back in. But the question was, do I circulate the oil now once I've put in fresh oil, or do I wait 'til the spring to fire it up?

Anyhow, I ended up taking it for a spin last night as per Dentist90 suggeted. Now I have all engine components bathed in fresh oil and fuel stabilizer in the fuel lines as well. In the end I put in 10, not 12, litres and have a good oil level. Of course the oil is only so fresh: the 10 litres mixed with the 3 litres in the oil cooler. The previous oil only had 3,000 Km on it though. She's good for the winter.

After the oil change and before to store your baby...run the engine...the fresh oil will go everywhere and also check for leak...ready to sleep time.