changing oil
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,925
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From: grand rapids, lowell mi. area
changing oil
ok my car has been sitting since december , i know all the oil is in the oil pan ,would it be better to change the oil while the oil is in the pan ,or should I start the motor up and get the oil hot then change it ,just wondering! thanks Bill
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 260
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From: Brighton MI
For many years I would always run the vehicle & change the oil while warm or hot, however, a couple of years ago Road Racing World did a test with data on the drained oil to determine if there was any difference in draining engine oil cold, warm, or hot. They found no difference so I have modified my practice. I always let the oil drain for a substantial period of time.
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A number of sources advise on letting the oil warm up by running the engine for a couple of minutes before doing the change - warming also helps the oil flow faster when the drain plug is removed.
I have to admit that I do not always get the oil warm before starting the work - it just takes longer for the oil to drain.
I have to admit that I do not always get the oil warm before starting the work - it just takes longer for the oil to drain.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Toronto
A number of sources advise on letting the oil warm up by running the engine for a couple of minutes before doing the change - warming also helps the oil flow faster when the drain plug is removed.
I have to admit that I do not always get the oil warm before starting the work - it just takes longer for the oil to drain.
I have to admit that I do not always get the oil warm before starting the work - it just takes longer for the oil to drain.
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From: Hartford WI
That to me would be the question. Is the force of the oil going out going to pull sediment out, assuming there is any and how much sediment is there? Since someone did the test already and didn't find any difference, could we be trying to get sediment that isn't there since it might already be filtered out? Do I agree that hot oil drains faster? Absolutely. Unfortunately, in the C7 you can't suck the oil out of the dipstick tube. On my MBs that is what I do so getting the oil moving is important.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Kannapolis MA.
I think a vehicle sitting for a length of time all crap.Or most of it had plenty of time to hit the pan.Starting up the vehicle spreads the crap,again.
If you prefer to jack your vette from the side?This can be done without starting and traveling up ramps.
I just changed the oil on the Harley last nite.Never started it,crap has settled and believe more is out than starting it.
Really how would you actually know what is better
If you prefer to jack your vette from the side?This can be done without starting and traveling up ramps.
I just changed the oil on the Harley last nite.Never started it,crap has settled and believe more is out than starting it.
Really how would you actually know what is better
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From: Toronto, Canada
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By the time I start the car, aim and get it up on the ramps, the oil is warmed up nicely so I really don't have a choice either way (unless I put it up on the ramps and leave it for several hours to cool down again which is not gonna happen).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
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I don’t know if this is right but it sounds right. If we’re going to be following unscientific, “well in my day” practices, “sounds right” is about as good a rule as any. I just did this so that also makes it the “right” way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: 2019 CMG Z06/ZR1
we can split hairs forever, but the bottom line is, it’s an oil change, not brain surgery. All my other cars get “hot” oil changes. My stored cars get cold ones. Take off the plugs and let it drip a few hours until nothing comes out anymore. Refill with 0/40 esp (in my case), 5/30 in most other cases. No matter what your preferred method, doing it yourself sure beats the hell out of having the “oil change tech” whatever the f… that means, do it. Not sure what degree qualifies you as an “oil change tech”, but the dealerships love those important sounding designations.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 260
Likes: 87
From: Brighton MI
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, & as I stated earlier, for over 50 years I changed oil hot, until reading article & test in September 2019 Road Racing World.
They got the greatest amount of oil out of the engine using a cold drain, hot was second greatest amount of oil, & warm was the lowest amount of oil.
Their theory & I don't have enough data to disagree with it is that the cold oil has all collected in the sump resulting in the most oil drained. When hot, there is oil on the crankcase walls that doesn't all drain unless you leave your drain running for a long time. Warm was the worst since oil got splashed on the crankcase walls & being warm took the longest to drain down.
Sorry to stir everyone up again, however, I now change oil cold, & I do use an extended drain time. Since it's in a warm garage I can do other things & have a cold beverage.
Take care
They got the greatest amount of oil out of the engine using a cold drain, hot was second greatest amount of oil, & warm was the lowest amount of oil.
Their theory & I don't have enough data to disagree with it is that the cold oil has all collected in the sump resulting in the most oil drained. When hot, there is oil on the crankcase walls that doesn't all drain unless you leave your drain running for a long time. Warm was the worst since oil got splashed on the crankcase walls & being warm took the longest to drain down.
Sorry to stir everyone up again, however, I now change oil cold, & I do use an extended drain time. Since it's in a warm garage I can do other things & have a cold beverage.
Take care
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
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^^^
This makes as much sense as everything else propounded in this thread.
Bottom line: change your oil in whatever way you would like. It is an oil change, not rocket science. These cars are not fragile.
This makes as much sense as everything else propounded in this thread.
Bottom line: change your oil in whatever way you would like. It is an oil change, not rocket science. These cars are not fragile.
