Question about oil.

[cdwood]

Need to know if oil that sits in an engine that goes unused/not run for as long as 2 years loses it's viscosity. Point of the question is my snowblower got an oil change in april 07. Did not need it at all in 08. Is that oil still good for 09?

To the administrators: if you feel the need to delete post because it is not boat related, please advise.

 

[seasick]

Viscosity is not the issue. If you changed your oil at the end of the 07 season, you should be OK. If you changed it at the beginning of 07 season, it's time to change. It is good practice to change the oil after a season so that the contaminants don't sit there all off season. In general when you change the oil, it should be warm so you should run the motor for several minutes prior to draining.

 

[cdwood]

For the reasons you mentioned (contaminents), just like lower unit oil, is the reason it gets done at the end of the season. Just was wondering if current oil should be changed, not a big deal, only holds about a quart.

 

[seasick]

Its probably fine. High temps and wear cause viscosity breakdown, Just sitting there won't affect it.

 

[JUST-IN-TIME]

condensation is the only thing that would be the problem

 

[Grog]

condensation is the only thing that would be the problem

Yup.