Keeping engine cooler: adding quart or oil change

[AnarchyX]

My question is that I know one of the main jobs of oil is to cool the engine, and I was wondering if that duty is better served when an engine is low a quart and refilled with that quart, OR is will the engine benefit from having a whole oil change.

I know dark oil mean oil is doing it's job keeping engine clean, but as far as engine temp., will a fresh oil change do better than just adding a quart.

 

[bxd20]

I believe you're asking whether the thermal transfer ability of used oil is lower than new oil.

Does new oil "shed" heat faster than old oil?

The answer is no. There might be some extremely tiny difference, but in terms of heat carrying capacity, they're the same. The chemistry hasn't changed much.

So if your engine is leaking or burning oil badly enough that you need to add a quart before it's time for an oil change, just add the quart.

 

[AnarchyX]

Whew!!!!

Thanks.

 

[mechtech2]

Fresh clean oil is always better.
But by how much for what you are talking about?

For me, this falls into "you gotta be kidding me" category.

 

[ahoier]

Originally Posted By: bxd20
So if your engine is leaking or burning oil badly enough that you need to add a quart before it's time for an oil change, just add the quart.
Depending on your oil change interval, a qt of top off oil isn't really that bad....but when I do "top offs" I only add 1/2 qt at a time. I'm one of those that keep it between the full and the add line, not "at" the add line. I've found my car actually consumes more oil when at "full" than when it's between the "full" and "add" lines.....no idea WHY, but that's just the way it is.


But yea, I've been using PYB 5w30 2 OCis now, first OCI was about 5k, and I added 1 qt. This OCI, I'm coming close to the 3k mark, and the oils looking a little low, but not at/below the add line yet.


Bottom line, no, I don't find it necessary to have an "Oil Change" at the 3k mark, if the oil still has a decent sheen to it (i.e.: not extremely dark....) - some older cars come to a point in there life where it can be considered a "Filter Change" rather than an "Oil and Filter change" since you're constantly adding NEW oil to the engine lol....but I still personally wouldn't go more than 8k on a "standard" oil filter. But be my guest to "top off" and away until that 8k mark

 

[PandaBear]

It wouldn't do anything if the oil is not worn out (burnt) and the thermostat is working as expected.

If anything more oil means it takes longer for them to warm up.

 

[FZ1]

I keep my oil at the full mark at all times. I consider it an opportunity to top up. I'll top up as little as 2 ounces,if I can. It's hot down here!