Car has been sitting for several months (say 5) with fresh oil. Car was run only every so often. Heading to the track again and I certainly will change the oil again before I go, but I just got wondering what actually happens to the oil while it sits that long in a car... Does it lose certain properties? Does it degrade?

 

hmmm i have no idea...but they sit in containers looong before they get to stores.

 

In containers the oil is sealed from the air.

When its in the block its exposed to the air, so the additives in the oil start to degrade, not only that but im sure your oil has absorbed some water in it too.

 

How many times did you start the car while it was sitting? I've left my car for a month without starting it and I never had a problem.

 

I remember seeing a lot of German Castrol in your garage, just change it

 

I would run some sea foam or motul oil cleaner threw with that oil then change it for new stuff.

 

I don't think any B18C should have any kind of oil cleaners run through them.

Oil changes should just be done frequently, if its done often enough u dont need any of that crap

 

Most oil degradation is a result of exposure to heat. While the stuff sitting in your crankcase isn't tip-top anymore, I'd wager it's nowhere near as bad as 5-month-old oil would be had the car been used over those 5 months.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MK Ultra &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Most oil degradation is a result of exposure to heat. While the stuff sitting in your crankcase isn't tip-top anymore, I'd wager it's nowhere near as bad as 5-month-old oil would be had the car been used over those 5 months. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Good point.

 

my car sat for over a year and a half(long story). I started it up and drove it back to my palce and changed the oil with no problems at all.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kengs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I remember seeing a lot of German Castrol in your garage, just change it </TD></TR></TABLE>

That's the plan for sure...

 

It's fine - I think changing for the track weekend would be overboard.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Car has been sitting for several months (say 5) with fresh oil. Car was run only every so often. Heading to the track again and I certainly will change the oil again before I go, but I just got wondering what actually happens to the oil while it sits that long in a car... Does it lose certain properties? Does it degrade?</TD></TR></TABLE>

When? Where?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Car has been sitting for several months (say 5) with fresh oil. Car was run only every so often. Heading to the track again and I certainly will change the oil again before I go, but I just got wondering what actually happens to the oil while it sits that long in a car... Does it lose certain properties? Does it degrade?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just do what I do. It takes the guesswork out of oil changes.

Take off your filter.

Ship to a lab of your choice.(call your local distributer for that)

It costs about 12 $ to have them analyze it.

And then just run your favorite oil.

I love the Royal Purple 10w40.

I can usualy run around 15,000 miles street, before a needed change.

I can run about 50 hours af hard racing before a needed change.

Just my .02

 

When a car sets for a long time the oil draws moisture wich is not good on your bearings. I would change your oil sooner than normal.