Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Aging oil...

I think I already know the answer to this but I want to verify it. As some of you may know, my SVT is not driven regularly and is in storage most of the time (except for the odd ball weekend that I take it out for a short spin). Any ways, it's about due for an oil change. I always use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Sythetic oil supposedly doesn't break down, so my question is, would it be dumb to change to oil in my car now even though it may take a couple years to get enough millage on the car to merit another oil change? I just want to make sure that the oil won't some how break down/go bad during those couple years.

Even though your oil doesn't break down, it accumulates moisture and other contaminants. When you DO drive your car, make sure you put enough miles on it to bring it up to full operating temperature. I'd drive it at least ten miles minimum at highway speed. I'm assuming your car is stored inside. In severe duty use, such as yours, oil change intervals should partially be determined by time, not solely by mileage. I used to own a classic T-Bird which was only driven a few miles a year. I changed the oil every two years or 500 miles, whichever came first. Worst thing you can do is drive your car a short distance, not getting it warmed up enough for the oil to boil off the water and volatile contaminants, then put it away for months.

Thanks for the reply...that confirms what I was thinking.

If you don't run it that often, you should invest in a Pre-Oiler. It builds oil pressure before you crank the engine, so you don't get dry starts.

Pre-Oiler