quote:
Originally posted by Back40:
I have only put about 30 miles in 6 months on my ATV since I changed the oil (Mobile 20w50). Not very dusty/dirty conditions. I run a Suzuki OEM filter. Should I change regardles of the miles?
I deal with a lot of engines that are parked a lot and driven little. Here's my decision tree for low mileage:
1. Is the vehicle under warranty?
Yes - change at time interval recommended by manufacturer, generally six months.
No - see (2)
2. Has the oil been in the vehicle for one year?
Yes - change the oil.
Once I hit (2) I also change the oil that I'm using and go to high detergent motor oil with a high polar content and anti-rust additives.
I use the Mobil 1 SUV / Delvac 1 5W-40.
I see that some of the folks on the board have a
product that does the same thing for use as an additive:
http://www.specialtyformulations.com/index_files/page568.htm
"Classic Form Classic Car Engine Preservative coats the internals with added films of anti-rust and anti-corrosion inhibitors."
Btw, if you're using Mobil 1 20W-50 motorcycle oil, you've got a remarkable oil IMHO. It's not what I'd use for driven little, parked a lot, but for air-cooled high-stress applications it's quite an oil.
It's also great for ancient engines that expect SAE 30 to 50 mineral oils.
