OCI for my low-mileage summer driven car?

[Jeff96]

Hi all,

Just found the forums and have lurked for a few days. Awesome info. Now I have a question (or 2).

I have a '96 Mustang Cobra with the 281 32v engine. It gets driven in the summer on sunny days only and garage stored in the Michigan winters. I put about 2-3k on it each summer, and have been using M1 5w30 with Motorcraft filters in it.

I typically change the oil and filter each spring when it comes out of storage. But I'm wondering, since I put so little mileage on it each summer, is this necessary when using synthetics? In other words, could I go with an OCI of say 2 years and only 5-6k miles total?

Is it bad to leave the oil sit for 5 months in storage over winter, top it off in spring and go another driving season without a full change? Drop the oil and use the same filter?

I've always assumed that oil breakdown continues inside an engine even during storage, so doing this would not be advised. But I thought I'd ask everyone here since I'm sure you'll know better than me.

Also, given the recent sale at Murray's on Valvoline Synpower, I assume a switch from M1 to Synpower is fine as long as I continue to use Synpower after this. Correct?

Thanks everyone.

 

[TallPaul]

If it were mine, I would fill it with fresh Maxlife before parking it for the winter and run the oil one year. I would not bother with synthetic. Or if you want some added protection, you could get Motorcraft HDMO 10w30 at Murrays (they have it in quarts).

 

[Vaca]

I agree with TallPaul. Change it every year before you put it away. I'd use either any good SM or preferably a 10w30 diesel oil like TP mentioned. That'll help keep the potential for internal engine corrosion down during the storage period.

I would not leave the oil in for two years, nor would I use synthetic.

 

[cmhj]

Change it in the fall, not the spring.

I operated a marine storage facility for over 20 years. The difference is very noticeable.

 

[mdocod]

I would use 5w30 trop-arctic synblend with whatever filter you want. Changed every fall like others have said. I think the stuff is still like $1.60-$1.80 a qt at wallyworld. (been awhile since I checked price on it, but cheaper than most dino oils on the shelf there).

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Just change the oil and filter once a year.

 

[Jeff96]

Great info. I knew you guys would set me straight. I never considered changing the oil in November, but it makes sense to have fresh oil in there during storage. And I assume your different oil suggestions are to help combat corrosion during storage. Or maybe it's just because of the low mileage OCI that synthetic is not needed.

I must add that a main reason I've always used synthetics in this car is because I do many cold start-ups when the car has sat for maybe a week. The synthetic oil seems to enter the enigine much quicker so it smooths out faster.