tenbear
Northern Vermont, USA
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Can anyone tell me why most instruction books for gas engine powered equipment say you should change the oil annually, regardless of the mileage or hours of use. Does the oil break down if it is not circulated (it seems to keep in the can), or if it is frozen, or what?
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Vulcanmars
Naples, FL
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Moisture changes the ph in oil over time.
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Ductape
On the Road
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In some cases air temperature changes can cause condensation and water contaminates the oil.
Mostly it is just CYA by the mfr. They're not paying for the oil change.
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ed6713
FL
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Yes, oil does deteriorate with time. The different compounds in the oil evaporate. Not in the container because the container is sealed. Your engine oil is not in a sealed container.
Given the cost of the engine, frequent oil changes are cheap insurance.
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houtrz
Lake Jackson Texas
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condensation
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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The condensation mixes with the combustion chemicals (blowby) and create acid in the oil. Best to follow the manufacturers recommendations. We've only driven about 1,000 miles this year, it'll still get an oil change later this year even though we're FAR short of the 15,000 mile interval.
If you want a shock, price an oil/filter change and compare it to an installed rebuilt engine. I'd far rather replace the oil/filter too soon than too late!
Deen - Vancouver, WA
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Old Salt Chief
Edenton, North Carolina
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When I was stationed at Point Mugu Naval Base, in California, back in the '60s, the Navy did not change the oil in their ground equipment (cars, trucks, jeeps, etc). Periodically, a sample of the oil was taken and tested for bearing material, which would indicate engine wear. Logs were kept of all tests, and an measurement of babbit (bearing) material would indicate the condition of the bearings. At some point, the engine would be rebuilt, or the truck (or whatever) sold at a disposal sale, depending on the age of the unit. These vehicles, on average, garnered around 250,000 miles before action was required. Most units were sold, due to age, rather than due to engine problems. The Navy saved lots of $$ with this practice.
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tenbear
Northern Vermont, USA
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Thanks for the good info.
When you change the oil at very low mileage or hours do you change the filter too? It seems to me that there would be little reason to change the filter.
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lv2rom
Kansas City, Missouri
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tenbear wrote:Thanks for the good info.
When you change the oil at very low mileage or hours do you change the filter too? It seems to me that there would be little reason to change the filter.
Yep, same issue. When external temperatures vary, the metal surfaces do not adjust at the same rate, as a result water droplets (condensation) form on the inner walls that eventually flow into the oil itself. One could argue that the filter should be full and "MAYBE" they won't form there. However, since you have to warm up the oil to properly drain it you will have already drawn some of the contaminated oil into the filter. Me...since oil and filters are probably one of the cheapest maintenance things you can do for an engine, I'd change them both....JMHO...Brian
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RJsfishin
Winston Or.
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If I was to do only one, and the oil still looked reasonably clean, I would change just the filter. I can't see running new oil thru a dirty filter.
Many have their own opinions and use their own good judgement on oil/filter changes, and the rest rely on the MFGs suggestions, who really don't have the foggiest idea as to when each individuals oil should be changed.
For myself, I change oil when it get dark looking,(can't read the F&E thru it) and not before. Excessive water or condension in the crankase will be very obvious,....you don't have to change oil just because it mite have condensation. But if you have no experience in such things, or don't care, thats what the MFGs suggestions are for.
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