BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Lloyd Hall on December 23, 2012, 10:31:48 PM

Title: Oil Change
Post by: Lloyd Hall on December 23, 2012, 10:31:48 PM

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

Title: Re: Oil Change
Post by: Joel Ashley on December 23, 2012, 11:54:19 PM

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

Title: Re: Oil Change
Post by: Gerald Farris on December 24, 2012, 12:09:56 AM

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  

Title: Re: Oil Change
Post by: Lloyd Hall on December 24, 2012, 01:34:53 AM

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

Title: Re: Oil Change
Post by: Gerald Farris on December 24, 2012, 04:17:38 AM

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

Gerald