Oil change: Before or after?
#1
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What is the prevailing thinking around these parts? Should one do a fresh oil change before storing a car over the winter for 6 months, or wait for the fresh oil change to be done as part of bringing it out of storage?
I’ve read that some do an oil change before and after storage, but that strikes me as a bit crazy/unnecessary. It was some guy with a Corvette somewhere on a forum. That seems a bit much…
I’ve read that some do an oil change before and after storage, but that strikes me as a bit crazy/unnecessary. It was some guy with a Corvette somewhere on a forum. That seems a bit much…
#2
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Before storage is the best plan. You'll get the pH of the oil back, also minimize condensation and fuel dilution. Remember that the chemistry of whatever is in the sump will be interacting with metals for months in storage.
The other bonus, when it comes out of storage you're ready to drive and enjoy.
It's also best to store with a full tank of fuel to minimize condensation in the tank. Think about whiskey bottles that are low, you get more evaporative loss. More air space in tank the lower on fuel.
The other bonus, when it comes out of storage you're ready to drive and enjoy.
It's also best to store with a full tank of fuel to minimize condensation in the tank. Think about whiskey bottles that are low, you get more evaporative loss. More air space in tank the lower on fuel.
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Carbuff2 (06-23-2024)
#3
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Before storage is the best plan. You'll get the pH of the oil back, also minimize condensation and fuel dilution. Remember that the chemistry of whatever is in the sump will be interacting with metals for months in storage.
The other bonus, when it comes out of storage you're ready to drive and enjoy.
It's also best to store with a full tank of fuel to minimize condensation in the tank. Think about whiskey bottles that are low, you get more evaporative loss. More air space in tank the lower on fuel.
The other bonus, when it comes out of storage you're ready to drive and enjoy.
It's also best to store with a full tank of fuel to minimize condensation in the tank. Think about whiskey bottles that are low, you get more evaporative loss. More air space in tank the lower on fuel.
The full fuel tank bit probably matters less if the car is in heated storage I would imagine, but I mean, there's no harm in following that advice for sure. Why not fill it up and add some stabilizer to be certain. Good overall tip for sure I think. That's what I plan to do despite having completely climate controlled storage for the vehicle. Why not...
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CarlB (06-23-2024)
#4
#5
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Yup, my car will be dormant for 6 months at a time for sure like you are suggesting. I don't want to be opening the garage door at all during the winter in order to maintain a constant environment etc...That's the idea...
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CarlB (06-23-2024)
#7
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Fuel quality is a huge problem. At the end of the season we add Marine Stabil to the tank and warm up the oil by running the engine to operating temperature. Then we change the oil.
Marine Stabil treats the ethanol. Regular red Stabil does not. What ever you do, DO NOT add Seafoam. It’s nothing but more alcohol.
Marine Stabil treats the ethanol. Regular red Stabil does not. What ever you do, DO NOT add Seafoam. It’s nothing but more alcohol.
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#8
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Fuel quality is a huge problem. At the end of the season we add Marine Stabil to the tank and warm up the oil by running the engine to operating temperature. Then we change the oil.
Marine Stabil treats the ethanol. Regular red Stabil does not. What ever you do, DO NOT add Seafoam. It’s nothing but more alcohol.
Marine Stabil treats the ethanol. Regular red Stabil does not. What ever you do, DO NOT add Seafoam. It’s nothing but more alcohol.
#9
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The Motor Oil Geek (Lake Speed Jr) says:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7hvTWsLIP8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7hvTWsLIP8
#10
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That video suggests gas can go bad in a couple months?!?!?! Is that the case? My F-type was sitting on the dealer floor for like six months before I took delivery. One has to wonder if they took the time to stabilize it. I would like to think they did, but it would NOT surprise me at all if they did not.
#11
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That video suggests gas can go bad in a couple months?!?!?! Is that the case? My F-type was sitting on the dealer floor for like six months before I took delivery. One has to wonder if they took the time to stabilize it. I would like to think they did, but it would NOT surprise me at all if they did not.
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Carbuff2 (06-23-2024)
#12
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2018manualftype (06-24-2024)
#13
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In theory, yes...in practice not so much.
Even 10% ethanol (which is all we can easily buy in NJ) will still run the engine OK after 6 months.
If your car has other issues tho' stuff can build up and make it difficult to start. And condensation in a less-than-full gas tank is another factor.
Hence, I try to DRIVE our 3 collector cars 30 - 45 minutes weekly, even in winter, on dry sunny days.
#14
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That video suggests gas can go bad in a couple months?!?!?! Is that the case? My F-type was sitting on the dealer floor for like six months before I took delivery. One has to wonder if they took the time to stabilize it. I would like to think they did, but it would NOT surprise me at all if they did not.
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#15
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Fuel degrades from its ideal state very quickly but it still works for a long time, I'm sure we've all pulled a two-year-old can of mower fuel from the back of the garage and used it, the mower still fires up lol. It's not good to use old fuel in critical applications or as a regular source, but a tank of old fuel here and there won't be the end of the world. All cars sit for ages between leaving the factory and being driving from the deal to their new home, don't stress about it ![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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#16
#17