I am still unsure about the rumors that once you fill with synthetic you can't go back to dino oil. Reason asking- Mobil 1 is in the car now, getting ready to put away for the winter, needs an oil change and I suspect that in the spring I'd want to change that oil again. So, for storage purposes, do I really have to fill with $25 of Mobil 1 or can I just use regular stuff? thx

 

If you are planning on starting the car up periodically during the winter than definitely keep the Mobil 1 in as it flows much better when cold and you will get oil pressure sooner causing less wear on parts that the oil has drained down from.

 

Rumours abound and this one is unfounded. I've had cars where I flip flopped back and forth - no biggie. If you're storing the car till spring and NOT starting it (which I would recommend), dump the oil and leave it empty. Put the oil back in when you are ready to start it up again. Makes no difference to the car whether or not it's got a bunch of oil sitting in the oil pan. It's not doing anything.

 

I do not plan to start her up at all. Any reason not to just park it with the 4000 mile old/9 month old oil left in it? (then change in the spring of course)

thx

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vmb
[B]I do not plan to start her up at all.

 

I agree with xviper, but I think you should drain the oil before putting it in storage. It is better to drain the oil warm, and I wouldn't want any sludge to form over the time it is sitting, then pump it all through the engine.

To be honest, if I were putting my car on moth balls for months, I would probably change the oil with Mobil 1, run it for a few minutes, then drain the NEW oil out, just to flush it. I wouldn't want any of the muck (or moisture) sitting in my oil pan for months unstirred.

I would also disconnect my battery, and put a note on it reminding myself that there is no oil in the engine. Come to think of it, I would probably also change the tranny oil. I have changed my tranny oil 3 times in the 16K miles I've had my car, and I've noticed a significant improvement each time ... never mind, that's another story.

 

I saw a several discussions on this topic at the forums at www.bobistheoilguy.com ...check it out.