Oil change after storage
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
Oil change after storage
I have a stock 69 350 vette. For the last few years, I have been changing the oil and filter after I take it out of about 5 months storage. I was just curious as to get some thoughts on whether, after taking car out of storage, I should first start car and let the engine and oil (10w-30) warm up before draining oil, or should I do it before cranking engine for first time? If there’s condensation in the oil pan, shouldn’t I drain the oil first thing before ever starting it? Outside temp is about 60 degrees, so oil should drain ok I would think....or am I over thinking this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
Not trying to pick a fight....just a question. Doesn't oil break down over time ? For example my Challenger is 6000 miles or 6 months. I always change my oil in the spring after it comes out of storage. That way it is good for the season.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
Better to change before storage. Oil breaks down with all the waste that it is designed to carry away and combat. If you change it before storage, the oil hasn't been diluted with all sorts of dirt and combustion by-products. The oil that is in the car for storage will have a fresh additive package. A little condensation after storage will disappear as soon as the oil comes up to temp. Also, once in storage don't start it occasionally - all that does is create condensation and contamination.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Switch to full synthetic oil and just keep it until you get enough miles to justify changing it. Full synthetic oil does not 'age' like organic oil, so it won't go bad just sitting there.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
I have a stock 69 350 vette. For the last few years, I have been changing the oil and filter after I take it out of about 5 months storage. I was just curious as to get some thoughts on whether, after taking car out of storage, I should first start car and let the engine and oil (10w-30) warm up before draining oil, or should I do it before cranking engine for first time? If there’s condensation in the oil pan, shouldn’t I drain the oil first thing before ever starting it? Outside temp is about 60 degrees, so oil should drain ok I would think....or am I over thinking this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Overthinking.......either way. The real abuse classic cars take is in the fact they are rarely driven. They sit for days, months and years. That does more damage to everything on the car than if they were actually driven on a regular basis. These oil threads always make me laugh, because all the overthinking that goes on, meanwhile ignoring the true problem of a machine that is never used. Special "tricks" are invented, that that really do nothing, or can make it worse. That's my opinion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Yes
If you are commenting on my comment, yes, you are correct. Private small airplane owners have this silly idea that if they go out to the airport and run their piston engine for ten minutes once a month, that somehow they are doing something smart. Instead, all they do is introduce moisture into the engine, waste an engine start, and drain a battery with the start. The only true way to maintain mechanical equipment, i.e. airplanes, cars and motorcycles, is to "use" that mechanical equipment regularly. Otherwise,......all the "tricks" do is make owners feel good, when in fact what they are doing is actually abusing the equipment. If you are going to own a classic car, motorcycle or airplane,.......operate the damn thing like it was meant to be used. Otherwise....expect the equipment to have more issues from corrosion, failures, etc. I can tell you for a fact that the multi-million dollar jets I am involved in have more issues when they are NOT flown regularly. And there are no "special tricks" that make it better than operating them on a regular basis.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Mar 30, 2021 at 02:15 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
I would recommend that you research oil degradation. Oil breaks down through heat, mechanical wear (such as constantly being run through an orifice or through compressive forces), it oxidizes, and is affected by combustion by-products and acids. The latter two are the most common with many people who don't drive enough -all short trips or think they are doing a favor by starting their car for 5 minutes throughout the winter.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
Personally, I do a quick cheap oil change before storing my car and do another one when I take it out, I know it's a waste and overkill, but it's so cheap nowadays. Granted the best answer is certainly to use synthetic oil and worry less, it really doesn't break down the same way as conventional does.