Changing the oil...

[trapper_canada]

So the car has been sitting in the garage since October and hasn't been started in that time.

Should I drain the oil as is or should I let the car run and warm up first?

thanks!

[ivangene]

how old is the oil (miles)

[trapper_canada]

Originally Posted by ivangene

how old is the oil (miles)

I bought the car last fall...I "think" the oil was changed in the spring...but I have no idea how many miles or how long...OR what oil is actually in there.

How's that for a knowledgeable answer

[ivangene]

I would run it...when warmed up, check the level and while checking it wipe some on a white paper towel and see what color it is...if it looks dirty change it, smell it, if it smells like fuel, change it.....

in fact since you maybe dont know what kind of oil it is - you might change it to start a known spot to work from

but I think I would drive it, sounds like the poor car just sits around crying for love

[ivangene]

wait, I have another idea.....let me borrow the keys and I will give that old oil a reason to be removed

(kidding of course, just drive it)

[trapper_canada]

Originally Posted by ivangene

wait, I have another idea.....let me borrow the keys and I will give that old oil a reason to be removed

(kidding of course, just drive it)

Well dang...come on down and tear her up!

[quattrorunner]

If it were me, not knowing when it's been changed or even what oil Is in there, I'd just change it to have a baseline that is comfortable. With a new to me car, I always change the oil unless I have knowledge if it's last change. It's good to know your car anyway.

[trond]

drain and refill, then start. Not that I can imagine it would make any difference. October is not that long ago.

I am an oil nut myself but must admit that I am having doubts sometimes. I rebuilt my brothers 12 year old Kawasaki 1000 cc. For years and years his maintenance schedule was to never replace oil, just top up with anything he had lying around. Revving when cold, burn outs even. In winter he let the bike disappear under the snow and then bump start in the spring when it emerged again. So when I took the engine apart I did not expect much. What I found was no wear anywhere, whatsoever. Cylinders and piston great. I replaced only rings which were slightly coked up, and brittle valve stem seals which was most likely what caused oil smoke. The bike had 53,000 miles on it at the time.

[OsoMoore]

In regard to choosing the oil type: I have read that putting synthetic oil in an older engine which has always previously used dino (ie. normal) oil can cause issues. Consequently, it may be a good idea to go with normal oil because the previous type is unknown.

[Drisump]

Without firing her up and heating the oil I'm not sure how much of the old stuff will stay in the car. Even a normal change in a 911 (heated) leaves a few litres in the cooler(s) and lines. I personally would fire her up and dump as per normal procedure, you won't do any damage and for the next 3-5k miles you won't be running as "tainted" oil as you would otherwise.....now it is time for you to read the entire oil thread....LOL.

[full_garage]

Wow let's not get another "Oil War" started...6,000 posts later...no consensus.

[kidrock]

warm your car up, dump the old oil and put in new. Oil is cheap compared to the cost of a rebuild, especially for these cars. It just makes good sense (cents?).

Change your filter, too....use Mahle. And use a good oil with enough ZDDP for our flat tappet motors.

[trapper_canada]

Thanks guys. Normally I have the vehicle good n hot but thought with it all sitting it all the crap would have fallen to the pan to drain...but with the sludge...probably lots stuck behind.

I am gonna warm her up and then change. I wanted to do some seal replacement first but have no time...so if I get to that in a couple months I can do a fresh change then.