simple oil change question

[ilovetrains]

I know that it is better to change oil in an engine once it has reached operating temperture, or at least that is what I have always been told to do. Curiously every boat I have owned has had several warnings that you must do it that way.



Anyway - is there any harm in changing the oil on a cold Cummins?

 

[klenger]

I don't see why it would hurt anything. All the oil should have drained into the pan the last time the engine was shut down. It might just take a bit longer to drain the pan, but should be OK. I suppose it's possible that heavy contaminates might settle out to the bottom of the pan, and therefore make it harder for them to get out. If the engine has just been shut down, the contanimates would be in suspension and drain better. So, there you have it, no useful information what-so-ever.

 

[nickleinonen]

i usually end up doing mine cold. . makes for a clean filter change, as nothing spills over the filter when you unscrew it

 

[klenger]

One thing that I have done is to drain the pan hot, and then let it drip all night and then change the filter and finish the project the next morning.

 

[steved]

The only thing I could see is that since there is the extra time to reprime the system, draining it "hot" would ensure that some residual oil is on all the crutial parts so you don't have a severe dry start... since you just got done running it, everything would have oil, unlike a cold start that would mean everything drained "dry" overnight (we all know there is still some residual oil left though... ).



Might also be so that all the nasties that settle in the bottom of the pan are in suspension when you pull the plug??



Probably wouldn't mean a thing... I usually change it hot siimply because the oil runs out better.



steved

 

[fkovalski]

... I suppose it's possible that heavy contaminates might settle out to the bottom of the pan, and therefore make it harder for them to get out. ... .

What if one were to pour a quart in from the top and let it drain to help offset this if contaminants were a concern?

 

[wcjp]

i usually end up doing mine cold. . makes for a clean filter change, as nothing spills over the filter when you unscrew it

I use a large ziplock freezer bag. Surround the filter with freezer bag. I changed the oil warm-hot. I've done 3 oil changed and haven't spilled a drop. On my 06' I change the filter from below. Don't forget the weird lubrication point on the front driveshaft for 05'/06'.

 

[RVTRKN]

I have not changed the oil on my cummins due to free oil changes by dealer that was agreed to by my dealer, but the oil changes in my 94 gasser was done stone cold and then I would wash the entire engine after and use compressed air to dry it. It still is on the road today at 115000 and the friend who bought it loves it and is now converted from GM to Dodge. His first comment was the power and torque the truck had for a 360 gasser. The truck was a HD 2500, a true option in 94 over a standard 2500.

 

[AKaiser]

We use old bread bags for the filter, and change the oil warm, on ramps so you can get under it on a creeper.