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Oil Change before Storage

j45p3r

New member
How important is it to change the oil in the Spyder before I store it? At the last oil change I used Amsoil and when I get ready to store the Spyder in the next 3 weeks or so I figure I'll have between 1750-2000 miles on the oil change. I hate to change the oil so short, especially a synthetic, but I also know it is usually recommended to store engines with fresh oil.
 
I try to change the dino oils on all my machines before storage. Dino oils tend to run off the exposed part surfaces in time, and separate from any condensed moisture, so they can actually contribute to internal corrosion during storage. Fresh oil reduces the possibilty of water problems, and the fresh oils have the strongest film strength, clinging longer than broken down oils. In the old days, the combustion by-products were a big worry, and acids would form in used oil, eating into engine parts, especially bronze bushings. Today's brand name oils contain buffers and other additives which make this type of failure pretty much a thing of the past. That's one of the reasons why we can change oil at 3,000-7,500 mile intervals now, instead of 1,000 miles like when I was a pup.

I do not change my synthetic oils for winter storage. Full synthetics do not separate from water the way dino oils do. Synthetics also have tremendous cling strength, with a film remaining on even unused parts for a very, very long time. My experience in maintenance in a wastewater treatment plant taught me loads about the advantages of synthetics under these circumstances. Once we changed to synthetics, oil changes every three months, whether our machines were operated or not, became a thing of the past.

One thing, if you do change your oil for winter storage, do not start the engine during the winter. All your efforts will be lost. If you do have to run your engine during winter storage, get it to full operating temperature, and by riding, not just idling. You need to get enough heat to drive off all condensation, and you need to heat and move the transmission parts, to drive off moisture and thoroughly coat the parts with oil.
 
Using AmsOil and with less than 2000 miles, I wouldn't bother. The oil will be almost new and it is a waste of money.

Some people do it to feel better and I suppose that's worth something. But in this case feeling better is about all you'll get from an oil change.

Nancy's Toy is right about starting the motor during storage. If you can't get it into operating temperature by riding it (not just a few bars on the gauge by idle), then you'll be condensing the moisture in the motor which is not a good thing.
 
Thanks guys, I was leaning that way. I mean, it's only $60 to do the oil change, but $60 is $60, no need to waste it.

I never start the engines in my toys once they're stored. On the two strokes we fog 'em and forget 'em.
 
Thanks guys, I was leaning that way. I mean, it's only $60 to do the oil change, but $60 is $60, no need to waste it.

I never start the engines in my toys once they're stored. On the two strokes we fog 'em and forget 'em.
just add some stabil to the gas after you fill it.
 
I wouldn't change a full synth oil out at 1700 miles for Winter storage.
I agree that running the engine for a short time during the Winter is probably a bad idea, but I might be tempted to spin it over with the kill switch on so it moved some oil around but had no combustion.

I'm going to Bar Harbor this weekend, By Ford. I'll keep an eye out for ya. Enjoy these last few days before you store it. The long range weather forcast I saw gives us a couple more warmish weeks. You might make it to Turkey Day before things get cold.:clap:
 
I wouldn't change a full synth oil out at 1700 miles for Winter storage.
I agree that running the engine for a short time during the Winter is probably a bad idea, but I might be tempted to spin it over with the kill switch on so it moved some oil around but had no combustion.

I'm going to Bar Harbor this weekend, By Ford. I'll keep an eye out for ya. Enjoy these last few days before you store it. The long range weather forcast I saw gives us a couple more warmish weeks. You might make it to Turkey Day before things get cold.:clap:
I work in Ellsworth which you'll be going through on your way, you might actually see me.
 
Very good advice from Scotty & Ron ---

I'm fortunate enough to store my Spyder in a heated shop all the time - so I do start it up here and there in the winter - but I wouldn't do this if it was in cold storage.
 
Don't forget to...

connect your battery tender up. Keep that battery in good shape and it will last much longer.
 
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