Lost records, HELP!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Still, that doesn't make any sense to me. So if it is winterized, change the oil in the fall, put it away for the winter, then change the oil again in the spring? That's 
! Just pick either the spring or fall (I'd pick the fall just before putting it away for the winter) and change the oil once a year. With only 2000 miles on the oil, it would still be just fine.
! Just pick either the spring or fall (I'd pick the fall just before putting it away for the winter) and change the oil once a year. With only 2000 miles on the oil, it would still be just fine.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Is it really? There are extreme temp swings everyday here in the winter creating condensation in the crankcase. Oil exposed to air breaks down quicker than in sealed bottles. I have heard all sides of the arguments for when to change and I decided to stick with the spring change. Been doing it for 45 years and never had an oil related problem.
Last edited by JR-01; Sep 26, 2015 at 04:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
The truth is, according to GM engineers, that it really doesn't matter when you change it.
Right now when I am cruisin' down the highway I feel better knowing that my oil is only 6 months old instead of a year old.
Right now when I am cruisin' down the highway I feel better knowing that my oil is only 6 months old instead of a year old.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
But that year old oil is really no different than the 6 month old oil if 6 months of that year old oil occurred while the oil was just sitting in the crankcase over the winter. That being said, if the way you do it makes you "feel better," then that's GREAT and that's all that matters! 
If you put fresh oil in a car and it sat for 6 years would that oil still be like new?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 264
Likes: 7
It's all good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Hey I was just asking. Whatever rings yer bell is all that matters. When I say waste oil I am referring to the used oil that is prolly acidic from condensated water and combustion byproducts. Was just curious why you would leave your internals baste in that all winter if you were planning on changing it out come spring.
It's all good.
It's all good.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 80
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From: Northeast Arkansas
Back to the original discussion.... Like most people, I have bought and sold many vehicles in my lifetime. I have NEVER had nor asked for detailed service records. Bought my 04 with just over 25K miles, didn't over pay or under pay due to the lack of service records. You should be able to look and get a good idea of how a vehicle has been cared for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
LOL. 6 months or 6 years. At what point does the new oil in the stored car start breaking down and need to be changed? 1 year, 2 years 3 years? It was a simple question. Dumb? You might want to look in the mirror. Just because a lot of people have a different opinion, you have to insult them? You are the one that needs to grow up. I showed you total respect in debating the subject, yet you act childish and resort to insults. Bye.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
It was only insulting when you turned stupid with your 6 year analogy comment. We both know it was stupid and invalid as a comparison to only 6 months. If you felt insulted, well, all I can say is, you deserved it with such a comment.
But to answer your question, "6 months or 6 years," I know the fresh oil doesn't start breaking down while sitting idly in the crankcase for just 6 months. Now 6 years is an entirely different story. That would be going through 6 cycles of hot and cold weather. But that's far different than just 6 months (or 1 cold season). If you don't recognize the difference, then I'm sorry but you're beyond help. As to "1 year, 2 years 3 years?," I personally wouldn't go beyond 1 year, maybe 2 years at the outside if it sat idly the entire time, but that's just my thinking, others may think differently as to how long.
BTW respect is earned and given only when deserved. The latter applies also to insults (which was the case here).
But to answer your question, "6 months or 6 years," I know the fresh oil doesn't start breaking down while sitting idly in the crankcase for just 6 months. Now 6 years is an entirely different story. That would be going through 6 cycles of hot and cold weather. But that's far different than just 6 months (or 1 cold season). If you don't recognize the difference, then I'm sorry but you're beyond help. As to "1 year, 2 years 3 years?," I personally wouldn't go beyond 1 year, maybe 2 years at the outside if it sat idly the entire time, but that's just my thinking, others may think differently as to how long.
BTW respect is earned and given only when deserved. The latter applies also to insults (which was the case here).
So in your mind, oil is no good after sitting for a year, but is fine after sitting for 6 months. LOL. You just blew your own argument that oil doesn't break down in the crankcase.
Sludge is caused by moisture in the oil and 180 daily temp fluctuations over winter would definitely add condensation(water) to the oil.
There is a report from a chemical engineer that worked for a major oil company that did recommend spring oil changes to reduce sludge formation. I will find it and maybe then you will understand.
You must think I just came up with this myself. I read many articles and reports and determined for myself what is best for me.
Only children insult others on forums.
Last edited by JR-01; Sep 26, 2015 at 07:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Anaheim CA
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
Been doing that for the cars I've been storing since the 70s. It works for me, that's my main concern. A little oil is cheaper than a new engine!
Meanwhile, you two guys enjoy your "debate"........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Anaheim CA
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 65
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From: Schaumburg IL
If you lose your records and the work is done at the dealership, you can go to the Chevy website, go to owners center. Sign up or log into it, insert your VIN into the system and click on service records and it will have all the work done on your car from when you owned it. All of this is providing you had at done at a Chevy dealership.