Oil Change

[Lloyd Hall]

I have a question. I have changed my oil in my Patriot Coach after it has been driven (to warm up the oil) so that it would drain better. Could I turn on the "Block Heater" for a couple of hours before I drain it and get the same results? The oil has already drained down into the pan. It just needs to reduce the viscosity of the oil and I was wondering if the Block Heater  would give me the same results as driving it.

Lloyd Hall

[Joel Ashley]

If you have engine preheat as an option on your AquaHot, I'd use that.  I've never used the block heater on our coach, but I don't know why you couldn't use it.

The oil probably gets twice as hot running the engine, though, and pan oil likely wouldn't get heated as well;  block heat and preheated coolant probably don't affect the pan as much as the block.

Joel

[Gerald Farris]

Lloyd,
Yes running the block heater a few hours before draining the oil will warm the oil. However, unless you are in an area were the weather is extremely cold, it should not be necessary if you are running 15W40 engine oil and changing it once a year. It may take a little longer for the oil to drain if it is cold, but warming it should not be necessary.

Gerald  

[Lloyd Hall]

Thanks Gerald and Joel for your input.

I live in Palos Verdes Estates ( near Los Angeles California) so it does not get too cold. Temperture is usually around 65 to 74 F. when I do change the oil.

Thanks again,

Lloyd

[Gerald Farris]

Lloyd,
With the temperature around 70 degrees F, there is no reason to warm the engine before changing the oil.

Gerald