Oil Change for Garage Queen

[cjg1999]

I have a 91 mustang 5.0L convertible probably around november i will be putting it away for the winter in the garage. Previously, I usually change the oil before i put it away. So my last oil change was november 2007. This summer, didn't drive it much, put maybe 400 miles on, do you guys think i can get away with not changing the oil until next year? I just checked the dipstick, looks like brand new oil still. Thanks in advance!

BTW, I used supertech high mileage 10w30 and a MC FL1A filter.

 

[Hermann]

When you take it out for its final run of the year make it a good one were you really get the oil up to FULL operating temp, to get all the water out. Run it 50-60 miles and park it. Then change it in the spring when it is about to work again. My 2¢ worth. Wish I had a 5.0 Mustang of that generation.

 

[OVERKILL]

Yup, what Hermann recommends works just fine. I'd change it in the spring when you go to use it again.

 

[Drivebelt]

Quote:
I just checked the dipstick, looks like brand new oil still. Thanks in advance!


Heck, … with only 400 miles on the oil -- I see no problem leaving it in till spring. Although some suggest changing the oil in the spring, everything I've seen suggest oils doesn't deteriorate just sitting in the crankcase. So, I'd probably run the oil till the fall 2009.

 

[steve20]

agree with the Canadian above- Fall of 2009
I have 2 Corvette garage queens-put about 3K/year on one and 2K/year on the other. Once a year oil changes are all they get as well.
FWIW I driv'em in the winter--if---there is no salt on the roads

 

[jorton]

I don't know about that. If I were putting the Mustang up for long term storage I'd circulate a heavy grade like HD40 through the engine first. Next spring change back to the prefered multigrade.

That's just because at work we have Lycoming and Continental rotating assemblies that have been in storage for 30+ years. The oil in the rod bearings is 50 or 60wt and when disassembled, they still look new.

 

[cjg1999]

Quote:


Heck, … with only 400 miles on the oil -- I see no problem leaving it in till spring. Although some suggest changing the oil in the spring, everything I've seen suggest oils doesn't deteriorate just sitting in the crankcase. So, I'd probably run the oil till the fall 2009.


Yea i was wondering how long i could get away with leaving it in there, I have heard before condensation builds up and changing once a year is mandatory....

 

[mechtech2]

Hermann gave good advice.
I don't know if you really need to drive 50-60 miles, but get it good and hot.
Actually, you don't have to change it next spring.
Why? It's good clean oil.

 

[cougargnw]

Im gonna go agianst the crowd here. Run it a few more times and change the oil to a lighter weight 0w30 for the occasional winter start up. Its a small price to pay for piece of mind.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: cougargnw
Im gonna go agianst the crowd here. Run it a few more times and change the oil to a lighter weight 0w30 for the occasional winter start up. Its a small price to pay for piece of mind.


Exactly! Run the car with the current fill, change it out just before you're going to store it. Get it good and hot before the OC. Just make sure before you park it with the fresh fill you give it a good run. I'd also add some MMO to the gas.

JMO,

Frank D

 

[Hermann]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Hermann gave good advice.
I don't know if you really need to drive 50-60 miles, but get it good and hot.
Actually, you don't have to change it next spring.
Why? It's good clean oil.


I know 25 miles or so will warm it up good, but if it was my last ride of the season in a 5.0 Stang, it would be a good long enjoyable ride.

 

[exranger06]

If you're concerned about wasting perfectly good oil, you could just change it out but save the old oil for another car/lawn equipment, or use as a top-off oil. That's what I did when I changed the oil in my snowblower that had been used about 5 times in 2 years.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Originally Posted By: cougargnw
for the occasional winter start up.


"occasional winter start up" = BAD! Don't start it until spring, when you can drive it and get it good and warm. Starting it when it's cold and running it for a short time does much more harm than good (produces condensation in the engine and exhaust system).

I agree w/ the posters who said to leave the oil in til fall '09, right before you store it. Then change oil, get it good and warm, and park it.

 

[hate2work]

I'd also run the gas down to almost empty and put a little stabilizer in it as well.

 

[Steve S]

Change it .How much will the oil change cost?

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

I'd also run the gas down to almost empty and put a little stabilizer in it as well.


Stabilizer in a full tank is a better idea. Prevents the inside of the tank from corroding.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL

Stabilizer in a full tank is a better idea. Prevents the inside of the tank from corroding.


agreed

 

[mechtech2]

Storing a car does not include an occasional start up, by definition.
That is another element.