When do you change your oil and chaincase fluid?

[rcp1018]

Is it better to change the oil before summer storage or wait until pre- season?
Your thoughts?

 

[RTX]

I change mine whenever i get around to it. Sometimes in the spring, sometimes in the fall.
I understand all the different logic behind changing it before potting it away for the season but i honestly dont know of anyone that ever had an engine fail because they left used oil in it over the summer.
On a side note,
I actually own a 25 year old lawn tractor with a 12 hp motor that has never had the oil changed in it. I have added oil here and there but never changed the oil.
It was given to me when it was 12 years old by an aunt because it stopped running (gummed up carb)
When i asked her if she ever did maintenance on it the reply was no, never. Nothing.
It has become a little game for me to see just how long this engine will run for, it has never let me down. Lol

 

[pdiddy]

Spring/end of season is the best time.

 

[thor452]

spring is best also and more improtant is to grease eveythin if there is water anywhere leaving it sit there all summer will cause more problems (rust) and it is beter for the engine to leave it with fresh oil.

 

[thor452]

although I have left it sit till fall with no problems this is not recomended had a friend loose the drive shaft berring by speed sensor due to water sitting in it all summer and the failer happened while on our first trip of the next season cost a few bucks to have it fixed at the local dealer and could have been avoided all together with .20 worth of grease and 20 mins of work to get at it the spring before.

 

[THKSNOW]

I wait until fall on changing the oils. But, I do agree it's a good idea to grease everything prior to storage and push all the water out.

 

[fixerman519]

I change every 1200 miles roughly, , only 8 ounces, so doesn't cost much at all

 

[CaptCaper]

although I have left it sit till fall with no problems this is not recomended had a friend loose the drive shaft berring by speed sensor due to water sitting in it all summer and the failer happened while on our first trip of the next season cost a few bucks to have it fixed at the local dealer and could have been avoided all together with .20 worth of grease and 20 mins of work to get at it the spring before.

I agree..lot's of water in the arms and bearings left after the season. Also change the oil and filter in the spring to get rid of any acids etc. The biggest thing is that you won't have to deal with it in the fall. Especially if you goof up during the service and need parts....ha..