Originally Posted By: volk06
Originally Posted By: solorexpy
Originally Posted By: y_p_w
I know there's no right answer, but I'm wonder what you guys do.
I remember when I'd collect samples to send to Blackstone, their recommendation was to drive at least 20 miles before collecting a sample. I've got a one-way commute over 40 miles, so my preferred time to do an oil change was a bit after I got home from work. However, my wife isn't too happy about it an asks why do I need to do it "right now". So sometimes I'm stuck doing it on the weekends before the rest of the family is up. I'll probably warm it up for 4 miles, although we've got hills around here and I'll do some nice hill climbs, which should warm it up well.
I've heard all sorts of recommendations, including changing the oil with a cold engine to reduce the amount of mess. I've never done a cold oil change, although back when I did an extended oil change on a relatively low mileage car, I'd change the filter every 3 months when it was cold.
Blackstone probably wants the oil sufficiently mixed so they get a get representative sample of the oil, rather than oil with the particulates settled.
IMO, cold is better because all of the oil has drained into the pan. If the car has been driven, you've got oil still floating around in the engine.
Cold is not really better. If the oil it hot it all runs out in a matter of a few minutes and help prevents dry starts from draining all the oil out.
How does cold oil(not talking 10F) say 60F being drained have anything to do with dry starts? Dry starts only occur when the system loses prime which is impossible from an oil change.
If you mean the less than desired lubrication an engine gets on a cold start well that is going to happen whether you change it or not. I'll do it warm but never hot because it is a little hazardous and prone to easy mess.