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Do I really need to change my oil?

1K views 12 replies 11 participants last post by  farminghandyman 
#1 ·
I use my old 1999 Chevy as a firewood hauler (from the 40 acres we live on) and as a winter snow plow (for just our 800ft driveway). I am the original owner. It has 233K miles on it. 350ci engine.

I changed the oil last spring. Since that time, I've put about 45 miles on the truck. During the months the tuck is not in use, I will warm it up and drive it around our trails. I do this once a month.

The oil still has a nice amber color. It looks like it just came out of the jug. What do you think, do I really need to change it?
 
#6 ·
Bob always goes WAY over my head with too much info...but it is cool to look at and read.

I say it's your truck...you know it best...do what you like. I had a great Uncle who only changed the oil in everything he owned once a year, no matter how much it got used. He seemed to make out alright...and he didn't stay nearly as dirty wrenching as I do! :)
 
#4 · (Edited)
I would suggest to change it yearly at least, the condensation will get water and contaminants in the oil, I one time changed oil in an old truck that had been setting for some time, (it had a extended sump), I drained out over a gallon and half of water out of the oil sump of the truck oil pan,

the experts suggest changing oil, either by miles or date, whatever comes first,

at least change the oil in a seldom used vehicle once a year, if you care for the truck at all, IMO
 
#5 ·
I know they say you are supposed to every few months whether you use it or not. Seems kinda silly to me if its still amber looking. If you drive darn few miles but enough that it looks dirty, then maybe once a year??
 
#7 ·
At 233k the life expectancy of that 350 has already been determined by your previous care. If I had all of my menial chores caught up, my honey do/job jar emptied, and I found myself with too much time in front of the tv, then yes. If I needed the oil to stain some fencing, then yes. Otherwise I'd be more inclined to start it up from time to time and keep driving those trails to keep the battery charged.
 
#8 ·
I have had vehicles that seldom get used. I check the oil before and after runing the engine up to operating temp so if there is any water, I can see it in the oil. If the oil looks good, I dont change it untill it doesnt look good.
 
#11 ·
My usual routine was to change the oil in my old pickup once a year. My question was probably poorly asked. I was asking could I go to one change every two years. I hated disposing of 5 qts of oil every year; oil that still looked like it was brand new.

With that said, I did change the oil last weekend. So, I am still on the once per year schedule.

Thanks to all for your input.
 
#12 ·
I'd base it on mileage/hours of use and not by the calendar. And as you noted your oil looked good. If it was black then I would change it.

I'm also a huge fan of synthetic oils. If you read on Bob's oil there are a lot of papers about the viscosity lasting longer with synthetics prolonging your oil change intervals.
 
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