Perpetual Oil Changes?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 235
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From: Yuma, AZ
Perpetual Oil Changes?
I just read some interesting stuff on something I had never heard of - Perpetual Oil Changes. Apparently it is a common practice in some industries and automobiles. I need to do more reading on this.
For those that don't know - it is an oil change method whereby instead of doing full oil changes at set intervals, you do a partial replacement of oil (a quart or two) at very close intervals like every 1500 miles or so I think.
I found reference to it in #24 of "a few questions" on this site: http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/hdoilchange.html . Does make interesting reading.
Has anyone heard of this or actually uses this method? Know how it would affect warrenty? How you would document it if you ever did need warrenty work? Any real world experience appreciated.
For those that don't know - it is an oil change method whereby instead of doing full oil changes at set intervals, you do a partial replacement of oil (a quart or two) at very close intervals like every 1500 miles or so I think.
I found reference to it in #24 of "a few questions" on this site: http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/hdoilchange.html . Does make interesting reading.
Has anyone heard of this or actually uses this method? Know how it would affect warrenty? How you would document it if you ever did need warrenty work? Any real world experience appreciated.
Last edited by Splais1; Sep 9, 2012 at 02:22 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
an oil change is meant to remove contaminated oil.
oil picks up acids, petroleum wastes, metals and water.
to refresh 25% of it leaves 75% of it in place- contaminating the new added oil.
although change intervals are 5000 with modern oils, I still change at 2500~3000 miles due to "harsh" conditions with the heat and dust in the desert southwest.
a simple oil change at intervals is easy to do and doesn't cost much.
( and I don't worry about getting every last drop out)
mike
oil picks up acids, petroleum wastes, metals and water.
to refresh 25% of it leaves 75% of it in place- contaminating the new added oil.
although change intervals are 5000 with modern oils, I still change at 2500~3000 miles due to "harsh" conditions with the heat and dust in the desert southwest.
a simple oil change at intervals is easy to do and doesn't cost much.
( and I don't worry about getting every last drop out)
mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
So it would be easier to dump a quart or two and then add a quart or two every 1500 miles, rather than changing 4 quarts and a filter once every 5,000?
I think I'll stick with the 5,000 interval, ( on my 116,000 mile bike.) (3,000 intervals are a waste of money with a good synthetic oil, IMO.)
I think I'll stick with the 5,000 interval, ( on my 116,000 mile bike.) (3,000 intervals are a waste of money with a good synthetic oil, IMO.)
Last edited by Stiggy; Sep 9, 2012 at 11:58 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 48
From: Eastern N.C.
sounds like to me it would be the same as running a bath tub of water, take a bath and the next time drain alittle of the water out and add some more water. I don't see the logic.
kroozeabout.
kroozeabout.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
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From: SW Minnesota
Have you got a link to what you read? I'd like to know how you can take out just a quart or two. Are they siphoning or sucking it out the filler? If so, they are leaving in anything that has settled to the bottom of the pan.
I had a friend in high school with an old Chevy that used so much oil, he figured it just changed itself.
I had a friend in high school with an old Chevy that used so much oil, he figured it just changed itself.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Carquinez Straights - Northern CA
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 257
Likes: 6
From: Auburn, WA
I used to work with a mechanic that did something similar, he would only change the oil filter on his cars then top off the oil.
He believed that changing the filter got rid of the contaminates in the system so no need to do a complete change.
The truth is that even if the oil's lubricating properties are still mostly intact the oil still has contaminates in it (despite what filter system you use) and they act as an abrasive to create ware.
For myself I will continue to do complete oil and filter changes.
He believed that changing the filter got rid of the contaminates in the system so no need to do a complete change.
The truth is that even if the oil's lubricating properties are still mostly intact the oil still has contaminates in it (despite what filter system you use) and they act as an abrasive to create ware.
For myself I will continue to do complete oil and filter changes.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Panama City, FL
Full change
Locomotives use this procedure because of the huge amount of oil they use...somewhere like 150 to 250 gallons. When I did oil changes on large deisel generators, we did partial changes also. It was drained through a ball valve, so it was much easier to do than sticking your hand under a draining bike plug.
Our bikes benefit most from full and complete changes.
Just sayin.
Our bikes benefit most from full and complete changes.
Just sayin.