The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners Club®

[KEVINBUK]

But I would appreciate anyones experience or informed opinion on this... I originally posted this in the " other vehicles" section which is even quieter than this one, but i suppose the question may be relevant to anyone laying their Pajero up for the winter...

I have a Ducato 2.8 JTD of 2004 vintage with near 100,000 miles. I have now SORNed it until March or April next year and will change the oil and filter before using it again. Generally during the winter i start it up and bring it up to temperature around every four weeks or so.

My question is... Would it be better to delay the oil change until just before I start using it again or should I change the oil now?

I have already changed the air and fuel filters, coolant too as the waterpump was changed when the cambelt was replaced this week.

I could ask on the Fiat forums but i reckon this is so generic and there is such wisdom on here, I would ask here first at least.

K  

[Google]

[PeteHB]

There is a build up of acid byproducts in engine oil so I would change it now for what it costs.

[trekker]

+1

[assassin]

Always change it before storage, as already stated oil contains acids and new oil contains a lot less of them.

Run your engine every two weeks, run it up to temperature and then give it some revs to circulate everything, switch the heaters on once warm to minimise damp throughout the vehicle, let it run for at least 20 minutes once warm, park it in gear with the handbrake off and chock the wheels instead with the vehicle in gear.

If you have room you can drive it forwards and backwards a few yards and this is beneficial as it lubricates the gearbox and axle components not immersed in oil to give them some protection.

[KEVINBUK]

Thanks to you all, i will get the oil and filter changed early next week and exercise her as you recommend every two weeks instead of monthly. I will also be linkng a mains cable from time to time especially in very cold weather to top up batteries and warm the habitation area through.

Much appreciated

Cheers

K  

[assassin]

Ensure you run it to working temperature, then rev it several times and run for 20 minutes, if you don't the water in the oil from the moist air won't evaporate off and it will generate more acids.

[KEVINBUK]