winter storing oil change.
09-23-2007, 08:58 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
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winter storing oil change.
I was told that you should drain your oil BEFORE you store your Corvette for the winter instead of leaving old oil in and draining it after the winter. Something about acids being in the old oil and sitting on internal parts. Is this fact or fiction?
09-23-2007, 09:56 AM
#2
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Fact. Fresh oil before winter storage is the way to go. Then you are good to go in the Spring. I usually try to drive the car a little in the winter as long as weather permits. Fresh coat of polish and a battery tender are also part of my winter routine.
09-23-2007, 11:27 AM
#4
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Somebody show me there is enough unneutralized acid in the engine oil after a Summer of driving to hurt anything by sitting in the crankcase over the Winter not being changed.
That used to be a problem. 40 years ago. It used to be common to pull engines down and see a lot of acid etching in the bearings. Not lately, for me.
That used to be a problem. 40 years ago. It used to be common to pull engines down and see a lot of acid etching in the bearings. Not lately, for me.
I've never heard that term 
09-23-2007, 06:29 PM
#7
Team Owner
I don't know if it is fact or fiction but for the price of an oil change it is cheap insurance. My 1967 is idle in heated commercial storage from late October to April. The Optima battery holds a charge very well for that period.
09-23-2007, 06:40 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
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Old tech lead-acid batteries could be rejuvenated with a slow charge after having gone dead during a long period of inactivity.
Newer "gel cells" are pretty much shot if they are drawn down to zero charge. Therefore, I have a battery tender...a guy who keeps an eye on it all winter and lets me know if I should shoot some juice to it.
Expensive, but worth it to me.
Newer "gel cells" are pretty much shot if they are drawn down to zero charge. Therefore, I have a battery tender...a guy who keeps an eye on it all winter and lets me know if I should shoot some juice to it.
Expensive, but worth it to me.
09-23-2007, 07:08 PM
#9
Race Director
Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter. I've never heard such a thing. Condensation and possible rusting of surfaces inside the engine makes this a dumb idea. I don't think any harm is done by leaving the oil in the engine and then changing it in the spring. I've done it this was for dozens of cars over the years without a single hint of any problem or wear.
09-23-2007, 08:12 PM
#11
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Since you're the only one to bring it up, has it occurred to you that YOU are the only one that didn't read it correctly?
"Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter."
Nowhere in the original question do I see reference to "refilling in the Spring".
As for draining just for drainings sake, it's a waste of money and unnecessary pollution of the environment.
"Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter."
Nowhere in the original question do I see reference to "refilling in the Spring".
As for draining just for drainings sake, it's a waste of money and unnecessary pollution of the environment.
09-23-2007, 08:14 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
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I heard-maybe and old wives tale -Fill up the crackcase w/ MORE oil than required...then drain/change and replace to correct level.
Winter here in Atlanta is about a 4-6 week thing....so what do I know?....
Winter here in Atlanta is about a 4-6 week thing....so what do I know?....
09-23-2007, 08:35 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
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When, I purchased my '66 two years ago, it had been sitting idle for nineteen years. After I got the car home, I changed the oil and it looked that the day that my brother in law had put it in. So, I would not worry about changing the oil prior to winter storage. 
09-23-2007, 09:25 PM
#15
Race Director
Since you're the only one to bring it up, has it occurred to you that YOU are the only one that didn't read it correctly?
"Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter."
Nowhere in the original question do I see reference to "refilling in the Spring".
As for draining just for drainings sake, it's a waste of money and unnecessary pollution of the environment.
"Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter."
Nowhere in the original question do I see reference to "refilling in the Spring".
As for draining just for drainings sake, it's a waste of money and unnecessary pollution of the environment.
09-23-2007, 10:31 PM
#16
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Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter. I've never heard such a thing. Condensation and possible rusting of surfaces inside the engine makes this a dumb idea. I don't think any harm is done by leaving the oil in the engine and then changing it in the spring. I've done it this was for dozens of cars over the years without a single hint of any problem or wear.
Some of the best cruising is done in the winter here on Long Island with a cruise to the beach (Captree) and both cars run great in the cool air.
I can't imagine mothballing my cars for the winter.
09-24-2007, 07:59 AM
#18
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Not a single person so far read this post correctly. The question was do you drain the oil before winter, then refill it in the spring. Suggesting that you leave the engine with no oil in the crankcase all winter. I've never heard such a thing. Condensation and possible rusting of surfaces inside the engine makes this a dumb idea. I don't think any harm is done by leaving the oil in the engine and then changing it in the spring. I've done it this was for dozens of cars over the years without a single hint of any problem or wear.
