When to Change Oil / Filters

[defever]

just got back from 6 month cruise and now the boat will sit until next march. changed oil/filter on main diesel motor 65 hrs ago (usually change it every 100 hrs) and wonder if i should change it now or wait 9 more months w/ dirty oil in the pan. i run the engine once a month to keep it lubed, etc. and am at a dilemna. any ideas out there???

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by defever

just got back from 6 month cruise and now the boat will sit until next march. changed oil/filter on main diesel motor 65 hrs ago (usually change it every 100 hrs) and wonder if i should change it now or wait 9 more months w/ dirty oil in the pan. i run the engine once a month to keep it lubed, etc. and am at a dilemna. any ideas out there???

I'd do it know and then do it again before you plan on using it again heavily. The $20 in filter and oil is a cheap price to pay. I'm far from a diesel mechanic, but I change my filters and fluids often, and switch out all the parts the manual tells me to.

[Healer52]

I agree. Any moisture that condensed, and any acids in the oil will sit there otherwise. Plus, why give sludge in the pan a chance to solidify?

[JiffyLube]

I agree with the others.

[Islandmike]

For the cost vs potention issues, change... IMHO

[rwidman]

I'll jump on the bandwagon. You don't want dirty, contaminated oil sitting in your engine for nine months.

[barnakiel]

Change the oil now. You can actually winterize the engine if you are not going to use it for a time.

b.