Any reason to run an engine after a oil change?

[GON]

Changed the oil on this 2012 S500 earlier this week. The car had been sitting for 60 days. I didn't start the vehicle as part of the oil change, cold oil removed with an extractor. The extractor has good measuring, so I was able to validate the quantity of oil removed.

The car will likely sit for the next 24 months. The fuel tank is full with a proper stable mix in the fuel. I am not wanting to start the engine as to reduce the fuel level, even if insignificant.

Oil is at the proper level, and the dip stick validates the oil level in the pan.

Any reason I should circulate the newly installed oil?

 

[factorytuned2012]

why does the vehicle sit for so long?

 

[RooflessVW]

Never hurts to check for leaks

 

[GON]

Never hurts to check for leaks

What kind of leak? I didn't pull the oil pan drain plug, and the filter is top mounted.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I wouldn't. I would put a giant sticker on the window that says 'Check for leaks on initial start" and leave it at that.

Likely all the top end oil would leak down past the ADBV in 24 months anyway.

If you do start it - run it until operating temp.

 

[Nukeman7]

I would run it for 30 seconds to ensure: (a) the oil was fully circulated and the level was still at the full mark after filling the new oil filter (if it was changed); and (b) to circulate some of the stabilized fuel into the fuel pump/rail and injectors. The amount of gas pulled out of the tank will be insignificant. I would be more focused on filling the tank with non-ethanol gas than having an extra 50 ml of air space in the gas tank. If the S500 is stored inside your garage, 24 months won't be an issue for the fuel. If it will not be driven while you are overseas, I would suggest disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery and connecting a maintenance charger every ~90 days for 48 hours to keep the battery topped off. Also, overinflate the tires (including the spare) by 5 psi over the value you normally run.

Condensation build-up from running it for only 30 seconds (i.e., engine won't be warmed up) will be inconsequential since this is a one time situation, not an ongoing/chronic/daily occurrence.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

I wouldn't bother starting it for 30 seconds or whatever. Why? Because there's still residual oil on the cam lobes and such from the oil that you removed. There's still a film clinging to the surfaces. And when you start the car to circulate the new oil, after you shut it down, most of the oil drips back into the pan again anyway, and once again you're left with a film.

Also, it isn't good to start an engine and shut it off quickly. You're just going to introduce moisture into the oil that won't be cooked off because the engine won't get hot enough. Just leave everything as it is, imo.

 

[RooflessVW]

What kind of leak? I didn't pull the oil pan drain plug, and the filter is top mounted.

Double gasket, gasket in the wrong place.

Like I said, couldn't hurt.

 

[Danh]

To get clean oil in the right places without starting, how about flooring the accelerator and cranking the engine for 30 seconds or so. In most cars this shuts off fuel so no harm done.

 

[Chris142]

I would run it long enough to get fresh non acidic oil on everything

 

[levi]

Any reason I should circulate the newly installed oil?

What you have done so far gives you fresh oil in the oil pan. Is that what you wanted to accomplish?

Circulating the oil coats internals with the new, fresh oil. Think I would prefer that for the next 24 months.

 

[ATex7239]

I’d have no problem leaving it alone. After sitting that long, it’ll be a good idea to start it up and immediately check for leaks anyways. I have never done start ups for longterm storage oil changes.

 

[4WD]

I would run it long enough to get fresh non acidic oil on everything

And get the stabilized fuel where it matters …

 

[PontiacHO]

Run it to get the fuel treatment throughout the entire system. Not getting it in the injectors etc. is asking for issues since this vehicle is sitting so long.

 

[RDMgr]

There are preservative engine oils for long term storage. Mil-L-21260 Rev. d oils meet this requirement. They function as an engine oil but have enhanced rust protection.

If you don't go with a storage oil, I would use a mineral oil-based oil with a high TBN. Mineral oils will be the most stable during storage. Ester-based oils or oils using esters for solubility may be something to avoid. Esters may breakdown in damp or wet environments.

Engine oil's high TBN is usually achieved by using metallic sulfonates which also serve as rust inhibitors.

I would run the engine to operating temperature to be sure all components are coated with the fresh oil.

 

[Jetronic]

Changed the oil on this 2012 S500 earlier this week. The car had been sitting for 60 days. I didn't start the vehicle as part of the oil change, cold oil removed with an extractor. The extractor has good measuring, so I was able to validate the quantity of oil removed.

The car will likely sit for the next 24 months. The fuel tank is full with a proper stable mix in the fuel. I am not wanting to start the engine as to reduce the fuel level, even if insignificant.

Oil is at the proper level, and the dip stick validates the oil level in the pan.

Any reason I should circulate the newly installed oil?

View attachment 248165View attachment 248166

The oil pickup could have drained, so you could lose prime on the oil pump. It depends on the design of the oil pan, pick-up and height of the oil pump though.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

The oil pickup could have drained, so you could lose prime on the oil pump. It depends on the design of the oil pan, pick-up and height of the oil pump though.

But whether he starts the car now or starts it in two years, it will reprime the pump if it did lose it's prime from the change. Doesn't matter if it starts it right now or not.

 

[Jetronic]

But whether he starts the car now or starts it in two years, it will reprime the pump if it did lose it's prime from the change. Doesn't matter if it starts it right now or not.

no if the oil pump gets enough air in it, it might not prime for a long time cranking. it depends how much ckearance there is. Similar to what happens on a new build.

 

[Patman]

I wouldn't bother starting it for 30 seconds or whatever. Why? Because there's still residual oil on the cam lobes and such from the oil that you removed. There's still a film clinging to the surfaces. And when you start the car to circulate the new oil, after you shut it down, most of the oil drips back into the pan again anyway, and once again you're left with a film.

Also, it isn't good to start an engine and shut it off quickly. You're just going to introduce moisture into the oil that won't be cooked off because the engine won't get hot enough. Just leave everything as it is, imo.

I wonder just how much moisture, if any, would actually be created if you only run an engine for 15-30 seconds. I’m guessing it is probably next to nothing. I think once you get past the one minute mark and a little bit of heat starts building, then that’s when the moisture comes into play.

 

[Rand]

how do you check the oil level without running it to fill the oil filter?