oil change intervals - usage or time

[2dye4]

Oil change for engines is recommended both in terms
of running hours or an expiration date so to speak.
As in 2000 hrs or 6 months whichever is first.

Does sythetic oil have any value extending the expiration
time of an oil change. Say in a standby generator that
us run for 1hr/month on average.

Is it a chemical problem that demands a change regardless
of running hours or a profit problem for oil companies?
thanks

 

[NickE]

my personal opinion is profit, however condensation and other such things will reduce the effectiveness of the additives after time. I would get an oil analysis after 6mths and see what that tells you. google blackstone labs.

 

[GregLocock]

Why not get the oil analysed after 6 months and see if it needs changing. My guess is not. It might well be worth going for a more expensive oil in this particular situation, as you want one that will actively deal with acids and water.

Alternatively there may be an additive for oil that would help. I know nothing about that.




Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[CESSNA1]

2DYE4: Typically oil change intervals are based on miles in road and sometimes off-road equipment. It is usually basd on hours in stationary or most off-road equiment. Stationary equipment usually has hour meters and automobiles usually have odometers. The interval is usually recommended by the manufacturer and I believe that is generally a good number. If you look at automobiles the factory recommendation is usually 5000 - 7500 miles which is about 166-250 hours at 30 miles per hour. A lot of this has to do with the improvement in oils. I remember in the 1960's, 1000 mile (30 hour) oil changes on automobiles; and 50-100 hours on stationary machinery.

I am not a big believer in oil analysis, but if you want to use it make sure you get a baseline sample of oil from the original container and plot the results with the used sample. Make sure you account for the oil added. Oil, like other items has a "shelf life" and a "seervice life". The shelf life of oil in a sealed can may be on the order of 2-3 years. Once opened and installed in equipment it diminishes to 6-12 months.

Regards
Dave

http://www.wsec1.com

 

[2dye4]

Thanks all

I am actually working on an oil change policy
for small equipment that will not warrent an oil
analysis.
If operated for an hour per month thereby bringing up
to temp I would hope to boil off condensation and
fuel by products.
So I wonder if on this schedual with syn oil could I
go 3 years without a change 36hr of runtime??

 

[NickE]

I dont think that would be a great idea. The problem is that you will eventually build up enoguh acids and other gunks that the detergents and additive package in the oil will cease to effectively eliminate them. You might want to call Amsoil, they have marketed extended drain oils for a very long time. Also maybe redline.