Fall-vs-spring oil change?

Acid build up! I was in college back in the early 70's when one of the guys brought in a combine engine that had been sitting out in the field for about a year. We tore it down in the shop and it was the worst case of acid build up I had ever seen. The main and rod bearings were all deeply pitted - awhile longer and they would have looked like Swiss cheese! Our oils do have the additives these days but at the end of the season (fall for most of us) is best.

I change my oil in the fall. Don't want the dirty oil in there for the few months it sits. I also write on the filter how many hours and the date of when it was changed since I don't keep a log book. Probably should though.
I however do not change the impeller til spring. Why put install new impeller just so the blades can start to "mold" into the shape of the case its in. Seems to me they wouldn't be as effective.

Steve, I change mine in the fall. Your condensation question makes sense but wouldn't that burn off pretty quickly once you run the boat for the first time. I know with the motorhome they advise not to run the engine during winter layup unless you can actually drive the vehicle for 20 minutes, otherwise you don't get the motor hot enough just idling to burn off the condensation.

62 wood wrote: ( I may not have it in a heated area next winter)

You want it in a heated area? There is lots of spots where we keep ours. Then you and Pam could come down on a cheap flight and use it.

john

Sorry...I just could not resist...tried.

Smart Ass?, not at all Billy.
I do change mine when putting it away for the winter but its also stored in a heated garage.

If the boat is stored in an unheated area, wouldnt it also be bound to get some condensation inside the engine , caused by temperature changes thru the winter? This would also contaminate the oil for the spring fire-up?

( I may not have it in a heated area next winter)

Steve, we never have weather cold enough to require winterization,we use our boats year round. But we do change our oil on a regular basis, reason go to the above statement.
Some people only get limited use and very low hours for the short season they have in other parts of the states.
The acids tend to build up fast in used motor oil that is stored, so change it at the same time as the impeller and other maint. items at the end of "Your Season"...................Boat dr

Hope that was not construed as a smart ass remark .........Billy