Oil Change before Storage

fourmat wrote:

Effy wrote:
I am confused. Why is fresh oil better at eliminating the issues water and acid can cause than old oil? Does old oil somehow create more moisture? Even after it's up to operating temperature while transporting to storage? And if so how much? Explain to me how old oil creates more condensation than new oil. Unless a critical piece was left out that after you change it you don't start it creating heat and thereby moisture. But if you have to drive it to storage it seems like it makes no difference. Especially 5 months on oil that only has 1000 miles on it. Seems like a total waste of time, money and resources.

Old oil has higher acid content than new oil, caused by combustion. It doesn't absorb more condensation just higher acid content. This acid can etch bearings and corrode internals that said 1,000 miles on oil I would not be concerned

I wasn't trying to indicate that fresh oil absorbs less moisture than old oil.....BUT as pointed out, old oil already has more contaminants in it from the combustion/heating process and it's just a good practice to have fresh oil circulated through the machine before storing for a long time. As I said, if it's not in an indoor, climate controlled environment, then it's more likely to gather condensation inside the oil pan and engine block.

Effy wrote:
I am confused. Why is fresh oil better at eliminating the issues water and acid can cause than old oil?

It isn't. Your read more into those posts than was actually there.

Effy wrote:
I am confused. Why is fresh oil better at eliminating the issues water and acid can cause than old oil? Does old oil somehow create more moisture? Even after it's up to operating temperature while transporting to storage? And if so how much? Explain to me how old oil creates more condensation than new oil. Unless a critical piece was left out that after you change it you don't start it creating heat and thereby moisture. But if you have to drive it to storage it seems like it makes no difference. Especially 5 months on oil that only has 1000 miles on it. Seems like a total waste of time, money and resources.

Old oil has higher acid content than new oil, caused by combustion. It doesn't absorb more condensation just higher acid content. This acid can etch bearings and corrode internals that said 1,000 miles on oil I would not be concerned

I am confused. Why is fresh oil better at eliminating the issues water and acid can cause than old oil? Does old oil somehow create more moisture? Even after it's up to operating temperature while transporting to storage? And if so how much? Explain to me how old oil creates more condensation than new oil. Unless a critical piece was left out that after you change it you don't start it creating heat and thereby moisture. But if you have to drive it to storage it seems like it makes no difference. Especially 5 months on oil that only has 1000 miles on it. Seems like a total waste of time, money and resources.

jerseyjim wrote:
Leaving the oil (with only 1000 miles on it) unchanged for the winter should not do the motor any harm.

When my coach is in "storage" (not used for a few months) every 2-3 weeks I start the motor and the genny and let them run for about 1/2 hour.

Letting it sit with 1000 mile oil in it is no worse than running it with the same 1000 mile oil.

Starting it periodically is good....IF.....
You have no access to power for battery tenders AND you let each engine run long enough to get thoroughly HOT to burn off any condensation that forms. Along with that, you should move the rig a few inches to distribute the "flat spot" on the tires.

If you have power for battery maintenance, there really is no NEED to start the engines periodically.

Unless you are in a controlled climate indoor storage facility, condensation is your enemy when it comes to stored vehicles. As the temps change during the day, the moisture that builds up will cause the engine to rust from the inside. Although oil and water don't mix, the oil WILL transport the condensate/water throughout the engine and if it doesn't come up to operating temp long enough to evaporate it, then you have moisture throughout the oil ports in the engine that sits and does its damage. That's why it's not a great idea to run the engine if you're not going to bring it completely up to temp. Lot's of motorcyclists like to go out to the shed to hear the engine run for a few minutes during the winter since they can't ride...thinking that they are doing good by "circulating" the oil. In reality, they are causing harm by circulating the water that has built up in the oil pan and other places from condensation inside the engine and not getting it hot enough to evaporate it.

It's a good idea to have fresh oil in the coach before putting it to bed for the winter, but with only 1K miles on the current oil, you'll be fine until you get it out in the Spring and take it up the road to get the engine up to temp! My $.02 worth....

I believe it's recommended you change oil before storing a vehicle because of the acids that build up in the engine.
I would not worry about oil with only 1000 miles usage.

But, if it makes you feel better, change it. I would not.

Leaving the oil (with only 1000 miles on it) unchanged for the winter should not do the motor any harm. But...if you feel uncomfortable, change it and the filter. I don't see a problem either way.
When my coach is in "storage" (not used for a few months) every 2-3 weeks I start the motor and the genny and let them run for about 1/2 hour. Some posters here say "yes" to that...others say "no". But....I feel better, and seeing I pay the bills.........
In short, do whatever you're comfortable with. There ain't no rule.