Oil Change Frequency
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Oil Change Frequency
I thought that 7500 miles between oil changes was a recent development but ...
I was looking up something in my owner's manual to answer another post when I happened upon this:
*Use only SE engine oil
*Change oil each 6 months or 7500 miles, whichever occurs first, except under the following conditions:
-driving in dusty conditions
-trailer pulling
-extensive idling
-short trip operation at freezing temperatures (engine not warmed up)
*Under these conditions , change oil each 3 months or 3000 miles, whichever occurs first
I was surprised that the recommendation in '76 was 7500 miles, so I looked at my '74 owner's manual and it also said to use SE oil but to change it every 4 months or 6000 miles except for the same conditions as the '76 it should be 2 months or 3000 miles. I think the difference is due to the ability to run low lead gas in it.
I was looking up something in my owner's manual to answer another post when I happened upon this:
*Use only SE engine oil
*Change oil each 6 months or 7500 miles, whichever occurs first, except under the following conditions:
-driving in dusty conditions
-trailer pulling
-extensive idling
-short trip operation at freezing temperatures (engine not warmed up)
*Under these conditions , change oil each 3 months or 3000 miles, whichever occurs first
I was surprised that the recommendation in '76 was 7500 miles, so I looked at my '74 owner's manual and it also said to use SE oil but to change it every 4 months or 6000 miles except for the same conditions as the '76 it should be 2 months or 3000 miles. I think the difference is due to the ability to run low lead gas in it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Possibly...but U.S. cars were beginning to get competition from the Japanese auto makers in the late-70's/early 80's, and they had longer oil change intervals. That was due to all aluminum engines (instead of cast iron) which did not get dirty as quickly (no carbon particles leaching out of aluminum!). So, the U.S. auto makers just upped the oil change interval time; they didn't like being 'bested' by foreign car makers.
{Sorry, boyz....too little, too late!!}
{Sorry, boyz....too little, too late!!}
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Clifton Virginia
Possibly...but U.S. cars were beginning to get competition from the Japanese auto makers in the late-70's/early 80's, and they had longer oil change intervals. That was due to all aluminum engines (instead of cast iron) which did not get dirty as quickly (no carbon particles leaching out of aluminum!). So, the U.S. auto makers just upped the oil change interval time; they didn't like being 'bested' by foreign car makers.
{Sorry, boyz....too little, too late!!}
{Sorry, boyz....too little, too late!!}
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
the best thing you can do for an engine is change the oil every 3,000 miles no matter what oil you use.
This is a huge problem with new GM vehicles right now. everyone waits for the change oil light to come on (between 5,000 and 8,000 miles on average) and then wait another few thousand miles to get the oil changed because they are too busy or forget. next thing you know it's been 10,000 miles, the oil is low and gunked up in your engine, and you need a timing chain replacement because the heat stretched them and the CEL is on.
This is a huge problem with new GM vehicles right now. everyone waits for the change oil light to come on (between 5,000 and 8,000 miles on average) and then wait another few thousand miles to get the oil changed because they are too busy or forget. next thing you know it's been 10,000 miles, the oil is low and gunked up in your engine, and you need a timing chain replacement because the heat stretched them and the CEL is on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
About 3000 to 5000 miles depending on the type of oil your running on these older V8s engines. Regular Dino Oil every 3000 and Full Synthetic oils about every 5000 miles. I also like to use at least a 10w40 Grade oil in my V8 engines and premium priced filters.
My 1977 had low enough miles about 44,000 on it so I switched over to Valvoline Full Synthetic Oil. If your car is going to sit longs periods of time Every fall is what I do even if I only drove it 1500 miles that summer so it has fresh oil in it through the winter months.
My 1977 had low enough miles about 44,000 on it so I switched over to Valvoline Full Synthetic Oil. If your car is going to sit longs periods of time Every fall is what I do even if I only drove it 1500 miles that summer so it has fresh oil in it through the winter months.
Last edited by MakoJoe; Jun 1, 2013 at 08:16 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
I also drive very few miles (about 600 miles/year, April through October), so I use time as my guide. Every spring upon emerging from hibernation, I change the oil and give it a new set of spark plugs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I always considered the extended oil change intervals nothing more than an advertising gimmick for sales. There was no sudden and dramatic improvement in engine technology or breakthroughs in oil protection that would otherwise justify such a big increase in service intervals...and they still gave themselves an out with the severe service disclaimers. Those disclaimers covered most everyone's driving so the car makers had lots of deniability on claims.
The manufacturers had no control over safety and emissions laws, couldn't stop the imports nor the generally good press the imports had, so adding longer service intervals was a cheap way to draw customers.
The manufacturers had no control over safety and emissions laws, couldn't stop the imports nor the generally good press the imports had, so adding longer service intervals was a cheap way to draw customers.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
Spark Plugs I tend to use Bosch Platinum Plugs with 2 to 4 contact points so I never have to gap them and they are rated at 50,000 miles.
Wires are changed as long as Chimp Monks do not eat them in the fall which has happened multiple times over the 7 years I owned the Miata. Little buggers ATE MY WIRES almost every year for 4 years running in the fall months :back:
When I put my cars to bed for the winter I use Stabil fuel stabilizer, Marvel Mystery Oil and to top it all off HEET to remove any water on a full tank of fuel and start the car at least once or twice a month while it is sitting and will let it run for about 20 minutes so it fully warms up than on occasions take it out when outdoor temps are above 50 degrees outside and no sand or snow on the roads just to work it for about 20 miles.
Last edited by MakoJoe; Jun 2, 2013 at 12:44 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Wow, you guys may kick me off the forum for my oil change intervals
Since I do mostly highway driving to and from work, I change my oil every 10,000 miles on the 82, 5,000 to 6000 on the Vibe, and when I get the 74 back together, it may be once every 3 years depending on the mileage I put on.
I only use regular oil in the Vibe, and now the Vibe has 121,000 miles and does not use any oil. The 82 and previous vehicles has used Mobil 1 or equivalent. I put 96,000 miles on my HHR SS in 4 years, never used a drop of oil. In the beginning I changed more often, but after break-in, it was 10,000 mile change intervals.
I know everyone has their feeling on oil and oil changes, and in my younger days I did change every 3000 to 3500 miles. But with the advancement of today's oils, and the type of driving I do, the 10,000 mile change is just fine for me......
Since I do mostly highway driving to and from work, I change my oil every 10,000 miles on the 82, 5,000 to 6000 on the Vibe, and when I get the 74 back together, it may be once every 3 years depending on the mileage I put on.I only use regular oil in the Vibe, and now the Vibe has 121,000 miles and does not use any oil. The 82 and previous vehicles has used Mobil 1 or equivalent. I put 96,000 miles on my HHR SS in 4 years, never used a drop of oil. In the beginning I changed more often, but after break-in, it was 10,000 mile change intervals.
I know everyone has their feeling on oil and oil changes, and in my younger days I did change every 3000 to 3500 miles. But with the advancement of today's oils, and the type of driving I do, the 10,000 mile change is just fine for me......
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
I change mine every 2,500 and use pure synthetic. I know I know, way to often. So what, an extrs $20 or so a couple times a year with all the other money pits with a 40 year old car, big deal.
The oil in my engine always looks very good. I have a customer who changes her oil in her Dodge pick up every 3,000. At 150,000 I had to replace her tranny. While I was that far in, I dropped the pan and took a look around. I dropped the number five main. The bearings looked and mic'ed just like the day the truck was built. Still at idel held between 40 and 50 psi and ran at about 70 psi.
My personal truck still holds about the same pressures as hers, at 209,000. If I get late on a change I don't have anything to be concerned with.
The oil in my engine always looks very good. I have a customer who changes her oil in her Dodge pick up every 3,000. At 150,000 I had to replace her tranny. While I was that far in, I dropped the pan and took a look around. I dropped the number five main. The bearings looked and mic'ed just like the day the truck was built. Still at idel held between 40 and 50 psi and ran at about 70 psi.
My personal truck still holds about the same pressures as hers, at 209,000. If I get late on a change I don't have anything to be concerned with.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Here is the oil after ~5000miles using Mobil1 0w40.
Looks good to me.
Use the truck for towing too, but have 2 oil filters installed, change at 10,000 miles, but FI makes a difference in contamination.
If really concerned to a lab analysis.
Looks good to me.
Use the truck for towing too, but have 2 oil filters installed, change at 10,000 miles, but FI makes a difference in contamination.
If really concerned to a lab analysis.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Organic oil will oxidize over time. So, about 6 months is about as long as you want to keep oil that has been opened.
Folks who drive very little with their collector cars tend to use full-synthetic oil, as it doesn't have the 'aging' effects of organic oil. In an all-aluminum engine, synthetic oils can last up to 10K miles or more. But, in a cast-iron engine that continually 'bleeds' imbedded carbon particles, it should probably be changed more often.
Folks who drive very little with their collector cars tend to use full-synthetic oil, as it doesn't have the 'aging' effects of organic oil. In an all-aluminum engine, synthetic oils can last up to 10K miles or more. But, in a cast-iron engine that continually 'bleeds' imbedded carbon particles, it should probably be changed more often.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
Organic oil will oxidize over time. So, about 6 months is about as long as you want to keep oil that has been opened.
Folks who drive very little with their collector cars tend to use full-synthetic oil, as it doesn't have the 'aging' effects of organic oil. In an all-aluminum engine, synthetic oils can last up to 10K miles or more. But, in a cast-iron engine that continually 'bleeds' imbedded carbon particles, it should probably be changed more often.
Folks who drive very little with their collector cars tend to use full-synthetic oil, as it doesn't have the 'aging' effects of organic oil. In an all-aluminum engine, synthetic oils can last up to 10K miles or more. But, in a cast-iron engine that continually 'bleeds' imbedded carbon particles, it should probably be changed more often.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Most normal cars I say a good conservative number is 5000miles for regular or 10,000 for syn and once a year if you don't hit the numbers.
Oils are a LOT better today then they were just 10 years ago.
Now for classic cars that don't get driven as much then once a year since its driven less than 5k on most. Just make sure use the right oil if you have a flat tappet cam. I run 4qts of 15w40 and 1qt of 5w30 syn myself.
Oils are a LOT better today then they were just 10 years ago.
Now for classic cars that don't get driven as much then once a year since its driven less than 5k on most. Just make sure use the right oil if you have a flat tappet cam. I run 4qts of 15w40 and 1qt of 5w30 syn myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
Glad to see everyone has there own method. The one I agree most on is Dino Oils will cause problems if they are not changed before the car sits. I changed over to full Synthetic on my 1977 as I stated because it has low mileage on the engine but do believe it caused a new leak which I will inspect this coming weekend and only found that I have a drain last weekend. Switching to full syn oils can cause an oil leak in everything I have read. While the grade stays about the same the oil is much thinner than provides better protection. I have a new oil leak and spotted it 1 week after conversion to full Syn. Now have to find it and fix it.
Hmm new oil spot after conversion will have to put the car on the lift this coming weekend then retorque some of the gaskets on the pan and other areas. I did the valve cover gaskets during the conversion and put longer arm Mr Gasket long reach clamp downs on the valve covers. But now I will inspect all the other cover gaskets and retroque them down with a 1/4 inch torque wrench and about 60 inch pounds of torque.
Hmm new oil spot after conversion will have to put the car on the lift this coming weekend then retorque some of the gaskets on the pan and other areas. I did the valve cover gaskets during the conversion and put longer arm Mr Gasket long reach clamp downs on the valve covers. But now I will inspect all the other cover gaskets and retroque them down with a 1/4 inch torque wrench and about 60 inch pounds of torque.