how long do you let an engine sit before changing oil?

[1990LTD]

I see lots of differing opinions...mostly to do with the fact that hot oil burns (at running temperature what kind of temperature is the oil thats going to come out?) but cold oil runs out slow as fuck.


What say you?

[BGoins12]

I personally do it when it's hot at normal running temp. I've been draining oil like that since I was 10 years old, and still haven't got burned... and I'm 21.

[hemihotrod402]

I personally do it when it's hot at normal running temp. I've been draining oil like that since I was 10 years old, and still haven't got burned... and I'm 21.

+1
Except I started at 12, and now I'm 17

[91waggin]

I usually let it sit for an hour or so, because I have gotten some minor burns. But I've also done it at operating temp. The really hot part at operating temp is the drain plug. As long as it's not stone cold, you'll be fine.

[1990LTD]

Good times.

[91grandmarquis]

I do it whenever. I usually have all the stuff to do it in the cabinet (I buy my oil and filters by the case because it isn't for sale at local stores) so it usually tends to be in the morning when the car has sat all night.

[andymac0035]

I also like changing the oil after it's been sitting all night. Yeah it's cold, but it's been sitting all night and most of the oil is now in the pan.

If I change it when it's hot I let it sit at least a half hour (with the hood up) and crack the oil cap.

[gadget73]

I dont like changing it dead cold because any crap in the oil settles out to the bottom of the pan. I'd rather change it after warming the motor up and stirring up the junk so it comes out with the drain oil.

[Lincolnmania]

i'm used to changing customers oil when they just got off the highway and they are in a rush to get home after a quick oil change

[grandpaslincoln]

After I get home from Wal-Mart after buying the oil changing supplies.

[87gtVIC]

I do it with the engine warm.

[1990LTD]

Mission accomplished. No oil mess (except on me), no stripped drain plugs, no seized engine, explosion, or idiot light. I think I might have done it. Engine was hot...oil didnt burn me. good times


Need a filter wrench. Don't need it I suppose, but it would be easier.

[91grandmarquis]

Filter wrench would help you. Did you smear some oil on the new filter O-Ring. It helps it seal better.

[cld783]

I do it when you practically need oven mitts to take off the filter.

[johnunit]

mechanics gloves ftw. In my own car, I'll wait about an hour and a half, but I'm used to being the guy in the shop that the old timers call over when a car just pulled in and needs a drain plug pulled...