saturn thermostat//oil change

[spasm3]

My son's saturn has been running cold, thermostat stuck open. He drives short trips about 4 miles. I'm changing the thermostat today, and the oil (penn hm 500miles on it). I'm curious, how many people would change the oil, or would leave it in? It has a slight fuel smell on the dipstick.

 

[Quest]

change the oil.

a cold/stuck open thermostat will lead to elevated fuel dilution problem in motor oil. So, keeping it in isn't gonna do the engine any good (unless you are going to take it out on a road trip for 3+hrs on the highway to "boil" it off.

Q.

 

[fdcg27]

I'd leave it in.
I don't think it will have any serious fuel dilution after only 500 miles.
Also, if it is like most real (not Ecotec) Saturns, you'll have done a running oil change in a few thousand miles anyway.

 

[CATERHAM]

Is the oil level higher on the dip stick?
If it isn't I wouldn't worry about it and would leave the oil in.

 

[kcfx4]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Is the oil level higher on the dip stick?
If it isn't I wouldn't worry about it and would leave the oil in.

+1

 

[901Memphis]

Keep it for at least 3k/6 months minimum