< < < Basic YET Technical question: Oil Changes after Hibernation > > >
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
< < < Basic YET Technical question: Oil Changes after Hibernation > > >
Hey guys, I need some help.
I was away on a trip for about 6 months. I left the car without changing its oil, and it had 2300 or so miles on the oil.
The oil has been sitting in the car, while it was parked in the garage for last 6 months. So, do I start the car with the old acidic oil, and then change it. OR do I simply drain the old oil and change it? I'm afraid of the rust, oxidation, and nuteralization that occurs with old & acidic oil.
So far I haven't got a real straight answer to this. Looking forward to hearing from you guys..
Thanks for the help.
I was away on a trip for about 6 months. I left the car without changing its oil, and it had 2300 or so miles on the oil.
The oil has been sitting in the car, while it was parked in the garage for last 6 months. So, do I start the car with the old acidic oil, and then change it. OR do I simply drain the old oil and change it? I'm afraid of the rust, oxidation, and nuteralization that occurs with old & acidic oil.
So far I haven't got a real straight answer to this. Looking forward to hearing from you guys..
Thanks for the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Oils not going to change much in six months. The extra amount of water (i.e. acid) that's going to get into the oil while sitting is nothing compared to the amount of water that the oil experiences via blow by. So, the way the engine was driven beforehand (short trips, lots of water in the oil vs 30 minute cruises that can dry the oil out) will be more of a contributor.
However, do what makes you feel comfortable. If you want to change the oil before, then do that. If you want to run it, then change the oil, do that. Heck, if the engine sees mainly hwy miles and was put up after a 30 minute run or so, just run the oil until you normally change.
Now, for a more informed opinion, you could always contact the folks at Blackstone labs, they could give you some good advice.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
However, do what makes you feel comfortable. If you want to change the oil before, then do that. If you want to run it, then change the oil, do that. Heck, if the engine sees mainly hwy miles and was put up after a 30 minute run or so, just run the oil until you normally change.
Now, for a more informed opinion, you could always contact the folks at Blackstone labs, they could give you some good advice.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Eads, Tennessee
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St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
I think the general consensus is that the oil is fine. As stated above if it makes you sleep better at night, go ahead and change it. Good luck on your decision. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
oil
The engine has to be operating to accumulate anything other than moisture. Condensation occurs with humid air
if it wasn't 2 humid, change oil and forget it.
if it wasn't 2 humid, change oil and forget it.
