96 855 oil change, car's been sitting, start or no?

Post by **JimBee** » 15 May 2015, 13:04

My '96 855 n/a MT sits out the winter and it's time to get 'er back on the road.

It's stored outside, on a slight side slope so any solids in the oil pan will likely be settled toward the driver's side of the pan. I know it needs an oil change. I"m kind of in a quandary, do I want to start it, maybe with some added Seafoam and stir up anything that's settled, then drain on a level surface? Or might it be best to jack the side to level it, then drain without starting?

What would you do?

Post by **misha** » 15 May 2015, 14:55

I don't see the reason why you are affraid to start it.Start it,just like it was parked a week ago.Install a good battery and go for it.

Post by **JimBee** » 15 May 2015, 16:54

Okay, I'm being fussy (no, me?).

If there is sludge that could be stirred up, I don't want that heading to the pickup screen. possibly clogging some of those pores and/or recirculating through the engine.

The problem with just draining it, is that sludge that has settled to one side of the pan is probably dense enough that it won't drain out with most of the oil. Then with the fresh oil it will most likely get back into solution. It's time for a flush in that engine. I'm going to add some Seafoam, put in some cheap oil, run it for a bit, flush and fill with better quality oil, probably full synthetic, and a new Wicks filter.

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 15 May 2015, 17:27

If you are going to Seafoam it with cheap oil you will dislodge more sludge etc anyway so you might as well start it now so you can drain out the existing oil whilst hot.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 May 2015, 18:39

I fired up the Suburban after it had been parked for about 4 years and then changed the oil afterwards. The oil looked like rust when I drained it, which I'm sure that it was full of. Granted that is an old cast iron block Chevy but it didn't hurt anything.

...Lee

Post by **abscate** » 16 May 2015, 01:31

If the car was in decent condition when you parked it, you are overthinking this. Just drive It until hot, then oil change.

Post by **JimBee** » 16 May 2015, 16:44

Got it. Thanks!

Post by **j-dawg** » 16 May 2015, 19:29

My old MR2, also with an iron block, sat idle while I did some work and/or totally neglected it. Two years later I charged the battery, turned the key, and was driving around as though it had just sat overnight.

Probably not a bad idea to change the oil soon, but I wouldn't worry about it. If anything, it'll probably be good to get it hot so more of the old oil drains out.