What happens if you don't change your oil

Calvin

Calvin

In Hazzard County
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When I was in college, I had a professor tells his class that he had a '79 Honda with almost 300k miles on it and never changed his oil. I find it hard to believe him, but just to give some examples on what happens if you don't change you oil in 50k miles, maybe 100k miles. Engine becomes seized up, gummy valves, burnt out bearings.

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That's just nasty!
 
Believe it or not....it can be done if you change the oil filter frequently and make sure to add oil when the level gets low, and as long as the oil temperature reaches max temp, contaminants will evaporate.

Many people exaggerate claims, so don't take it literally.
 
green427 said:
Believe it or not....it can be done if you change the oil filter frequently and make sure to add oil when the level gets low, and as long as the oil temperature reaches max temp, contaminants will evaporate.

Many people exaggerate claims, so don't take it literally.
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Oil breaks down both mechanicaly and chemicaly. Oil oxidizes forming other compounds but most importantly acids. Thermal and mechanical breakdown turns oil into such things as carbon. All of wich reduce oils ability to act as a bearing surface. These acids and carbon molecules remain susspended in the oil and are why your oil turns black.
 
Green, if your motorcycle engine and trans share oil you must be extra careful of mechanical oil breakdown as the gears in the trans put the oil under a lot of pressure.
 
jonnyghost said:
Green, if your motorcycle engine and trans share oil you must be extra careful of mechanical oil breakdown as the gears in the trans put the oil under a lot of pressure.
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If only you knew how much info I have gathered over the years......
 
I had a 73 Beetle that burned a lot of oil; never really needed to change it. I actually had to add "Gunk" to thicken it up.
 
green427 said:
If only you knew how much info I have gathered over the years......
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I have as well. Understanding lubrication is important in maintaining the equiptment i work with. I find it interesting that in many applications it's recomended that you only change the filter every other oil change. This would seem to indicate that filtration is not the only component in maintaining proper lubrication.
 
soulchill said:
I had a 73 Beetle that burned a lot of oil; never really needed to change it. I actually had to add "Gunk" to thicken it up.
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:lol: well you where still changing it. You just where leaking it out somewhere other than a drain pan.
 
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None of the gas powered engines survives over 50K miles without initial oil service. Lack oil changes can lead noise mechanicals such as rod/main bearings, valve trains or scored cylinder walls/ piston skirts...plus can be oil leaks due to harden/ dried oil seals, valve cover/oil pan gaskets etc. One worst is smoked tailpipes cuz of seized piston rings due to oil sludge/carbon build-ups.
 
soulchill said:
I had a 73 Beetle that burned a lot of oil; never really needed to change it. I actually had to add "Gunk" to thicken it up.
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Used Auto Dealer's favorite ---> Honey Oil <--- Thickest oil can be found at any Auto Parts store :rofl:

I've used that on my old vehicle and it sure helps reduce burning and increase compression. I did noticed the difference.

Catty
 
I've tried that on my old junker, no oil changes, just keep topping oil cuz it burns oil and leak oil. Drove 40k until I sold it to my friend for $100. I told him I haven't changed oil and filter since until you have it.

:giggle:

Catty
 
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