993 oil change without changing its oil filters

[hodol88]

I perform my oil change on my 993. My yearly oil change is due. Changing the filters is not hard, but it takes a few hours. I only drive 2000 ~ 3000 miles a year on synthetic oil. I realize that the filter may last up to 10,000 miles on synthetic oil, but engine oil is recommended to be replaced every year. I am leaning toward just replacing engine oil only. What are your thoughts?

[Drisump]

I personally would do a filter change at the same time. I understand your reasoning.... and the fact that changing the filters in a 993 is kind of APITA but I wouldn't put new, untainted oil into a car with old filters. I have a diesel Landcruiser and often use synthetic oil. The oil manufacturer recommends changing the filter half way through the service cycle....sort of the opposite of what you're thinking to do.
I think you can argue a decent case about not changing the oil every year in your circumstances, and I know a few guys with 911's that don't, but I think on this board you'll find most members scandalized at the thought. Cheers

[yelcab1]

I don't scandalize at that thought at all. Many cars that I own, I change the oil filter at 10K and the oil at 5K. The example of a diesel engine and a Landcruiser is not applicable since Diesel combustion is very different from gasoline, and Landcruiser assumes that you use that car for its intended purposes of off roading, low speed maneuvering.

Skip the oil filter.

[KNS]

The little filter on the 993 helps to ensure clean oil to the lifters. I'd do 'em both.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by hodol88

I perform my oil change on my 993. My yearly oil change is due. Changing the filters is not hard, but it takes a few hours. I only drive 2000 ~ 3000 miles a year on synthetic oil. I realize that the filter may last up to 10,000 miles on synthetic oil, but engine oil is recommended to be replaced every year. I am leaning toward just replacing engine oil only. What are your thoughts?

JMHO,......

Change the oil & filters annually to prevent some expensive problems. Its FAR cheaper than dealing with engine issues and a few hours per year is no time at all.

[NYNick]

Steve,
I hear you loud and clear and respect your experienced opinion.
Please explain to me why one can't go two years between oil and filter changes when only driving a few thousand miles per year in a modern 911.
Thanks
Nick

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Steve,
I hear you loud and clear and respect your experienced opinion.
Please explain to me why one can't go two years between oil and filter changes when only driving a few thousand miles per year in a modern 911.
Thanks
Nick

Because in the grand scheme of things, $20 in filters is extremely cheap insurance.

[yelcab1]

Insurance is cheap to buy when I fly United. I still don't buy flight insurance. You don't need to buy all kinds of insurance. Sometimes, you just know better.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Insurance is cheap to buy when I fly United. I still don't buy flight insurance. You don't need to buy all kinds of insurance. Sometimes, you just know better.

Shrug. The engine builder(aka the guy who makes money when you need a rebuild) is telling you to swap filters sooner rather than later to extend engine life. What more needs to be said?

Ultimately, everyone can make their own choices.

[CCM911]

The OP is in no way harming his car if he follows his intended course of action.

But I am almost superstitious when it comes to my own car, so in the end, I would have to side with STIG in thinking that $20 worth of filters is very cheap insurance. It is for that reason that I only run Sunoco 93 or the equivalent through my tank. I may not need it, but once again, it is cheap insurance against detonation.

At the end of the day, there is really no "right" answer, so the best we could do is follow our own courses and hope for the best.

[911 Rod]

A buddy of mine has a regular car shop and they rebuild engines.
He told you would be amazed how many of these engines have a Canadian Tire (cheap) oil filter on them.
My point is in the long run it matters.

[porsche930dude]

I just went two years on my oil change. Im not sure Im going to do it again. I think the oil goes sour nearly as much as if it were being driven. Contaminants dont get burnt off as much and it just sits there spoiling the oil. Oil oxidizes too. I know synthetic takes longer and im not sure how long it takes to oxidize to the point of it going bad and not working correctly. But if youre in a stable climate without too much heat or humidity or dust. Then youre probobly fine. If I were running synthetic id probrobly stick to two years also.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Steve,
I hear you loud and clear and respect your experienced opinion.
Please explain to me why one can't go two years between oil and filter changes when only driving a few thousand miles per year in a modern 911.
Thanks
Nick

Hi Nick,

In a word,..condensation.

Accumulated moisture in the presence of combustion byproducts creates acids that corrode internal engine parts such as bearings, crankshaft journals, camshafts & rocker arms, oil pump housings, etc.

Unless one lives in a desert where RH's never exceed 12%, one needs to change oil and filters annually to prevent some expensive trouble.

Before winter storage, I like to change the oil & filters and run the engine VERY briefly to coat everything with the fresh stuff.

[tshebib]

I often wonder myself if it's necessary to change the filter every time. I track the car approximately 5to10 days each summer and average about 2-4K miles per year. I usually change the oil and filters (3.6 vram) 3 times per year. Last year I changed the oil only (no filter change) mid season with a little apprehesion. My justification is it's better than not changing the oil.

[Drisump]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

I don't scandalize at that thought at all. Many cars that I own, I change the oil filter at 10K and the oil at 5K. The example of a diesel engine and a Landcruiser is not applicable since Diesel combustion is very different from gasoline, and Landcruiser assumes that you use that car for its intended purposes of off roading, low speed maneuvering.

Skip the oil filter.

The "oil manufacturer" has no idea what type of vehicle the oil is being used (Amsoil). The oil manufacturer suggests X mileage for a change and 1/2 of X for a filter. Admittedly, seemingly all oil manufacturers recommend changing oil at least once per year regardless of mileage. As Steve says, unless you live in a desert you can expect lots of contamination and condensation in your oil over a year. I'm not even sure you would get away with a more cavalier attitude in the desert...much more dust and grit than in other places. Cheers

[theiceman]

changing the oil without the filter is like going in the shower and then putting your old underwear back on

[djantlive]

993 oil change takes hours??

[hodol88]

Thank you all for your inputs. It is not $20 filters that I am concerned. It is the overkill that I am trying to reduce. If it was a simple 10 min oil change, I don't care for the overkill, but if I can save a few hours for the extreme overkill, I would give some thoughts and reasoning.

I wonder how all the car museums and collectors are doing this.

[techman1]

It can. After 5 years with mine, 5th change coming up, still takes more time than my old '88. Having two filters, the location, and having to take the right side wheel well liner off.....

Yeh, It can take two hours. I think it can be done in less, but I try and do a cleanup underneath, the large filter is in a location that almost guarantees spillage and splashing of components.

[JSA993]

True, it could take a couple hours, but just a straight oil and filter change can be done in an hour if you have access to a lift. If I'm not mistaken the "book" time at the dealership is 1.5 hours. I average 40 minutes with no problem and think most people could after a few changes to establish procedure/technique provided you have the right tools and lift.