1998 C70 Is it worth reusing engine oil?

Volvich · Post by **Volvich** » 16 Jun 2014, 17:43

Hi there,
I need to replace oil filter, but the oil is still fresh (500 miles or so). Should I drain, and pour it back?
The thing is I made a regular oil change and after ~800 miles oil cooler lines started leaking. I rebuilt them, and had to change the oil. Used Bosch oil filter. Now the valves click for 2-3 seconds on startup.
I searched MVS and found only Mann filters have a check valve which shuts after engine shutdown and keeps oil up in the engine. So I'm gonna change the filter. I realize the risk I'm taking in case some sand particles get in the oil while draining. But what if I could pour it back through a fine screen (sifter?).
Any advice is appreciated!

P.S. Do you think the culprit could be the Oil filter?
I checked oil level multiple times and its just a notch below the max.

Post by **chrafael** » 16 Jun 2014, 17:50

Just change the filter and only add what you need.

Post by **tryingbe** » 16 Jun 2014, 18:14

Change the filter and fill up what you needed, like chrafael said.

Post by **rspi** » 16 Jun 2014, 18:40

There is no need to drain the oil to replace the filter. The filter is higher than the oil pan. So you will loose the same amount of oil when you change the filter.

Pull the filter, prime the filter (if you don't have a cartridge), and run the car for 5 minutes, shut it down and top off the oil level.

Post by **mecheng** » 17 Jun 2014, 07:39

Are you sure the filter will make that much of a difference? Try adding some thicker (higher viscosity oil).

Post by **abscate** » 17 Jun 2014, 07:48

Don't sweat clicking valves for 2-3 seconds. Do the regular warm up ritual...start car, idle for 15 seconds, then drive away gently until the temp gauge hits the 3 o/c position.

Just change it on the next change of season in LA.

Oh wait, you don't get that. Just change filter in 5000 miles.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 17 Jun 2014, 21:07

mecheng wrote:Are you sure the filter will make that much of a difference? Try adding some thicker (higher viscosity oil).

Thicker oil? I would think lower viscosity oil would be pumped more quickly to the valves on a cold start-up. I'd be more likely to blame a few seconds of valve clatter on too thick an oil grade rather than on too thin an oil or something being wrong with the filter.

The orientation of the filter housing in these engines means that oil stays in the filter housing when he engine is off - no check valve is needed because the housing naturally does not drain. This also means that if you are careful you may not lose enough oil to even need topping up. Just unscrew the housing cold since you aren't really changing any oil and don't need to suspend contaminants.

Volvich · Post by **Volvich** » 18 Jun 2014, 01:33

Thank you all for the replies!
Im already using thick oil (Castrol GTX 10w40). Turbo leaks and heavy oil helps a bit.
Its good to know that I can change filter w/o draining oil pan. It's gonna be an easy job then

I know I could probably get away changing it next time when the oil change is due but the click makes me cringe every time I start the car. This morning I came up with a genius idea lol, cranked the engine for a sec. and stopped. Did that a couple of times. Engine started with no clicks!

Post by **cn90** » 18 Jun 2014, 07:56

I'd not crank a few times, all you do is shortening the lifespan of the starter motor.

Some ticking of the valves for 2-3 sec is no big deal. Bosch oil filter is very good (there are 2 versions of Bosch oil filter: Black which is made in the US and White which is made by Mann).

Just keep using the Bosch oil filter.
At next oil change switch to Mann.

I'd ignore the ticking business and move on with your beautiful life.

Post by **mecheng** » 19 Jun 2014, 06:37

I haven't driven my car in a week, went to start it today and heard the same noise for 2 seconds with the oil light on. Its no big deal, there is still oil at the top of the engine, you won't do any damage for 2 seconds. I agree, cranking it will do more harm than good.