The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Change oil in truck 1 year old but no miles on it

I am sorry to drag the "change oil" question up once again but, I searched and couldn't find a straight forward answer.
I changed the oil in my '51 1/2 ton when I decided to do a bit of a restoration which is now 18 months ago . The truck has been sitting and has only been driven about 10 miles to the body shop and back with occasional warm up in the driveway.
Do I need to change the oil and filter or is the oil still OK?
It looks like the day I put it in. Has it deteriorated badly?
Thanks.

I wouldn't worry about it myself. I am sure that the oil will absorb some moisture over time, but I have never seen this to be a big problem. If the oil looks good and is not overfull because of gas in the crankcase (which you would be able to smell),I wouldn't worry about it. I only change the oil in my 1973 Chevrolet pickup every three or four years since it isn't run that much.
For what it is worth.
Jim

Ya had to know this question would touch the extremes. My 2 cents, I change oil & filter at least once a year regardless of how few miles. You are dealing with contaminants and moisture. One step further, I don't think oil brand or type changes the fundamental concerns.

So, bottom line is; is it worth $20 a year to you.

Good luck

Change the oil - your truck will appreciate it.

Yep, a cheap service for a good piece of mind. Like mentioned before the moisture is the biggest worry & it only takes an hour of your time too. Make sure to change the oil at normal running temp. Laters Slick

I change mine every three or four years, 1000 miles or so a year.

If you are planning on another year or more before driving, why waste oil if its just going to set again.

Start it up and let it get good and hot, thats all it will need to clean it up.

Joe

if oil deteriorated with time, the cans would have "best before" dates on them

Bill

I wouldn't concern myself with it either but as for 3-4 years....that's a stretch IMO.

I appreciate this discussion and the various reply's because I'm getting ready to turn the Blue Funk's engine over for the first time in about a year and a half.

I figured I'd see if the engine turned over and started, and if it did, I'd let it warm up, then shut it down and change the oil.

I was wondering after reading some of these post about putting a inline heater on the bottom hose and plug it in during the cold season to keep the moisture down.I have one off of my long gone Target diesel that was in a Seville.It looks like the same size hose or very close or will it be a waste of time? Thanks

b10, a block heater is intended for pre-heating in freezing weather not continuous use, you'd be encouraging condensation, not to mention courting a major fire in the event of any problems

Bill

not spring - summer- fall only winter and when it is bitchen cold . just asken.

winter is usually at least 3 months aside from the warmer engine area and innards attracting the moisture that the colder ambiant air temp couldn't hold, I'd be very leery of having a heating element plugged in for 3 months straight, or even a few weeks, especially in a carport or garage attached to my house .... I do have a block heater in my truck, to get some heat in the cab before moving out

Bill

Nice Truck, Looks like my back yard in Jan.Better than building a fire in a pan under dads old B model Mack.

The truck if finally on the road and before driving it too much further I thought it best to change the oil.
I cannot believe what I found!!
The truck only has 158 miles on it in 3 years but, the oil is absolutely black and thick and smells burnt.
I changed it and the difference is amazing.
As one post said "why take a chance for $30 worth of oil and filter".
If I do another one I will definitely change the oil annually - need it or not.
Thanks to all for taking the time to send me your opinions and comments.
dirty filter dirty oil