Novice oil drainage question

rs911t · 01-03-2003, 07:17 AM

Drained my oil for the first time, per the instructions in '101 Projects'. Wayne notes that the sump contains significantly less oil than the tank. Well, it was just the opposite for me. Very little from the tank, most from the engine. It was cold and has sat for a couple weeks. Any significance??

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

My car was the same way when I drained it.. I think since you're supposed to have the oil warm when you change the oil it will normally be mostly in the tank and not the sump and it seeps into the sump slowly after you turn the car off.

k9handler · 01-03-2003, 07:29 AM

I have always run the engine up to temp first and the majority of the oil comes from the tank.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Yeah, you do it with warm oil because it will flow out better for a more thorough change.
Ryan

Jgordon · 01-03-2003, 09:27 AM

And because by running the car, you get all the particles and sludge circulating, so that it comes out with the oil. By doing it cold, you let all that stuff stay on the bottom of the tanks, to be mixed in with the new oil.

rfuerst911sc · 01-03-2003, 09:39 AM

I agree,you should do it with the oil warm,it helps keep the junk that has accumulated in suspension in the oil and you have a better chance of getting it out.

rs911t · 01-03-2003, 09:57 AM

Thanks for the info. I agree - better to do it warm. Fortunately, the oil was changed about 1300 miles ago by the PO. This drain was for valve adjustments. Just so happen it's the first time for me.

pwd72s · 01-03-2003, 10:20 AM

Greg, oil should be warm when drained, valves should be cold when set...a rub, since most DIY guys want to do both at the same time. One trick is to drain in the evening, let the oil drip into pans all night, set the valves the next day. Not easy if the car is a daily driver, I'll admit. The infrequent cold oil chnge is better than no change at all...