I have a different idea-disable the fuel pump and fog the engine through the air intake while cranking it over. That way the fuel level doesn’t drop. Bag off the air inlet ahead of the air filter if possible too, keep the mice out!
Any reason to run an engine after a oil change?
- Thread starter GON
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4WD
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Too bad them thar entaleagant malaycools ain’t round no mo 
Starting and running for the 30 seconds or so to circulate the oil and check for leaks will cause no issues. Having it sit for 2 years without being driven will likely cause more issues than a brief start-up. I can fix the latter for you. Just send me the keys and tell me where it's parked.
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Is that not the same whether it starts today, next week, or two years from now?
I'd sure run it for a few mins to wash off old oil pooled up here and there and to prime oil filter.
I'm in the "opportunity to check for leaks and displace the acidic oil" camp.
Two years, you say? How 'bout lifting the car off its springs?
Raise to a point where the tires are still in contact with the ground but not bearing any substantial load.
I kinda like wetting the injectors before storage. There's got to be a favored injector embalming fluid.
Two years, you say? How 'bout lifting the car off its springs?
Raise to a point where the tires are still in contact with the ground but not bearing any substantial load.
I kinda like wetting the injectors before storage. There's got to be a favored injector embalming fluid.
Not if you start with a tube full of air just below the oil pump. the air wants to go up, and the oil in the pump wants to go down. If it's a full tube the oil has to drain throughout the entire engine first.
one could make a difference in a few days, the other can take years.
I had an oil pump lose prime on a customer car during a simple oil change once, it wasn't pretty. it sounded like I forgot to put oil in it, but the sump was full. Luckily it started pumping just around the time It took me to get back in and stop the engine. The engine lived but that was the closest call I ever had.
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It takes more for oil to become acidic than I think you guys realize. Who says the existing oil film is acidic?
If mine I would start it, wait for the oil light to go out then take a peak underneath to check for leaks. Stop the engine and come back an hour later and check the oil level.
But that's just me. What I do on any OCI.
But that's just me. What I do on any OCI.
0W-8
Maybe just a creature of habit, but I run the vehicle around the block, look for any issues/check lights on the dash, and on return check for leaks. Then button it all up (skid plate etc.) Reassurance all is good and ready for the next drive. But honestly never had an issue after an oil change/because of an oil change.
Like bullwinkle suggested, fogging is good for a downtime that long. While we still occasionally use our v6 boat during the winter, I still fog it every time due to the insanely wet weather here. I don’t worry about it in the summer.
I would have drove it to get it full hot, then do the oil & filter change - drain oil fully by drain plug. Then drive it again after the oil change to fully hot. Stop by the gas station close to home on the way back, fill up the tank with fuel stabilizer added. Then drive straight home and park it. Disconnect or remove the battery and/or keep it charged since 24 months is a pretty long time to sit.
I have seen old car revivals where they sat for years and the oil pump wouldn't prime. For 2 years it is probably unlikely but definitely not out of the question. Also what is the point in changing the oil in the oil pan if you're not going to run it through the engine?
GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Memory is the reason I changed the oil. My memory is not so well. I change the oil in all my vehicles in the last few weeks. One less thing I have to try and remember. I know when I return to the vehicles they all have fresh oil, and a full tank of gas and Stabil.
GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Wish I would have. I have departed from the vehicle. Hopefully home at Christmas and will start her up and get that oil moving. If @Pablo gets sick of the rain, wind, clouds, cold in Washington, he can slip away to New Mexico for some dry sunshine and help a buddy by starting the S550.
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4WD
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You decide you need to go somewhere?
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