Oil Change Question

[kywildcat]

My engine is the 3.0 Merc inboard. I've always heard no matter how few hours on the oil, go ahead and change it every spring. I' m just wondering, is this really necessary if the oil from the previous year has low hours on it. Due to other issues, I didn't get to spend as much time on the water as usual and only had the boat out a few times. The oil is still clean on the stick and at the full level. Is there any breakdown over the winter to worry about? Any opinions is appreciated.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Oil Change Question

Ky, most people change their oil after winterinzing in the Fall, espcially in colder climates.

Since it appears that this was not done in the Fall, go ahead a change it before you take it out for the first time this season.

The concern is with condensation with the engine not running and by-products from combustion that occurs during use. The condensation of the surrounding air along with the by-products from combustion can create an acidic solution in the oil.

For the price of an oil change it's cheap insurance for longer engine lifle. This is espically true on a boat that is used infrequently. Doing it in the Fall reduces the impact of the acidic properties during long term storage.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Oil Change Question

many of the pros here say, change it at the end of the season. run it at the beginin of the next season. it's new oil ya know. i've read about the breakdown yer talkin about. i think it's about mositiour absorbsion were concered about. that will be evaporated off the first run from what i get. i guess to me it boils down to do ya really want to waste (maybe wasted, maybe not)the bread on the extra oil change. it'll probly be cool with the new oil from last fall. however. ya can't help but think any engine would like nice freash oil. the question is wether last years freash oil is good enough..... i'm up to runnin it for half the season or so with last years freash oil. but when my oil starts to change color, i'm up for changein it.........

 

[kywildcat]

Re: Oil Change Question

Thanks Guys, thats exactly the kind of opinions I was looking for.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Oil Change Question

There will be no breakdown over the winter, only minor condensation that will be gone the first time you get to operating temperature. But, combustion causes oil to become acidic, and the additives lose their effectiveness, etc.. That's why the manufacturers recommend changing it before storage. You get all that stuff out and let the engine sit with nice fresh oil in it...