safe to drain oil and let sit?

[User Name missing]

quick and easy question, is it safe to drain the oil from a vehicle and let it sit for week or more? In cold weather? Getting help to do the head gasket and fixing other problems on my pos car, however not sure when we'll be able to get started. Was wanting to do some of the stuff that I know how to do when I get time.

 

[JohnnyO]

Yes, that is bad. With no oil there is more room for condensation and rust to form inside.
I don't know what you mean by "other problems" but there is no need to drain the oil to change head gaskets (although fresh oil after you're done would be a good idea).

Just an FYI, classic musclecars that are trailered only because they are "too clean" to start have the engines filled to the brim with peanut oil to prevent corrosion inside.

 

[daniel3507]

Just an FYI, classic musclecars that are trailered only because they are "too clean" to start have the engines filled to the brim with peanut oil to prevent corrosion inside.

I didn't know that. Cool little fact.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I wouldn't think it would be a big deal for a couple weeks. Without running to warm it up where I live it is generally pretty cold constantly and the air is pretty dry (because it is cold)

I also don't think it would be a bad idea to just dump some oil it either though.

 

[Ranger44]

Drain oil after the head gaskets'.

It'll also provide a media for contaminates to leave the oil pan.

Of coarse.......replace the filter also......duh.

 

[User Name missing]

thanx for the tips. I guess I'll leave the oil in it til we are done. what prompted this question is that only half the car will be in the garage. Too much junk to get entire car in, too damn cold not to. so half in half out with a tarp to HELP seal out the cold. with it being a tad bit warmer this weekend, felt like it would be the best time if I had to be sprawled out on cold asphalt under an equally cold car.

 

[The_Dealer]

Drain oil after the head gaskets'.

It'll also provide a media for contaminates to leave the oil pan.

Of coarse.......replace the filter also......duh.

i always let it idle for a few min to let the filter do its thing before i drain

 

[doorgunner]

pulling heads can get coolant into the oil pan...change the oil & filter after the repairs are finished.....

you could also disable the coil(s) & crank the engine over a few times to get the NEW oil circulating & splashed onto the cylinder walls...

then, reconnect the coil so the engine will start (that way you won't be putting power to a "dry" engine...)

 

[AllanD]

Peanut oil?

Why not hydraulic oil (ATF) which is both cheaper and not subject to going rancid and solidifying?

AD

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Peanut oil?

Why not hydraulic oil (ATF) which is both cheaper and not subject to going rancid and solidifying?

AD

Ummm, cause you cant drain it and fry a turkey with it?

 

[eldercaddy]

That's bad User Name missing. There is a possibility that it will not work again.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I recommend waiting to change the oil, then when your done with the head gaskets and you change the oil you will get out any crap you mighta dropped in the motor(for the most part), last thing you wanna do is put in fresh stuff and then get garbage in it.