Unthinkable oil proposal

[piper6909]

MrBen, I'm in the same boat as you. I put in maybe 2000 miles last year. I chose to change mine. I've read that oil becomes acidic after some time, but I guess that applies more to conventional, not so much synthetic. There's also blow-by that contaminates the oil, but with 2000 miles, I don't think that's a big deal. Question is, even with minimal blow-by contamination, what does that do to the oil after sitting for so many months?

For me, changing the oil once a year regardless of the low miles is not a big deal.

You're most likely perfectly fine not changing it. I guess in this situation it all comes down to personal preference.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by piper6909

MrBen, I'm in the same boat as you. I put in maybe 2000 miles last year. I chose to change mine. I've read that oil becomes acidic after some time, but I guess that applies more to conventional, not so much synthetic. There's also blow-by that contaminates the oil, but with 2000 miles, I don't think that's a big deal. Question is, even with minimal blow-by contamination, what does that do to the oil after sitting for so many months?

For me, changing the oil once a year regardless of the low miles is not a big deal.

You're most likely perfectly fine not changing it. I guess in this situation it all comes down to personal preference.

The oil collects both fuel and water, which if left to sit can create acidic compounds in the oil, breaking down the oil and attacking the metal surfaces.

[paulofto]

Fresh oil is the cheapest insurance you can get for your engine. And if you DIY it is a great time to check other things under there like brakes & suspension after a summer of driving. Change it once a year before you put it to bed in the fall and she is ready for another driving season when spring comes.

[BrantyB]

Originally Posted by paulofto

Fresh oil is the cheapest insurance you can get for your engine. And if you DIY it is a great time to check other things under there like brakes & suspension after a summer of driving. Change it once a year before you put it to bed in the fall and she is ready for another driving season when spring comes.

100%. An annual oil change is cheap and easy. I don't understand the rationale of not changing it.

[10/10ths]

....Change your oil every six months, without fail, no matter what.

[MrBen]

I have a Harley as well same situation less miles. I get the same advice. I also have a Ranger tug. The Ranger has 120 hours on the Diesel engine so it for sure should get an oil change. Oddly enough in the boating world it’s more exceptible to change the fluids in the spring. What about the John Deere tractor. Rzr. I question the idea that the oil can sit in the jug indefinitely but once you unscrew the cap and dump it in the sump it has a limited life expectancy. I guess I should take a week right after South Dakota pheasant hunting buy a few cases of oil and knock them all out at once there’s a few more I haven’t mentioned