Should I drive this?

Hey friends.

It has been around 1.5 (maybe more) years since I have done an oil change. I currently do not have the $$ to do oil/filters etc but can I safely start it and when fully warm just drive around the block to let things lube?

Yes, you will be fine. Just make sure it is only oil and not oil/fuel in the crank case. Plus, let it run long enough to get all the way up to temperature.

Barrman said:

Yes, you will be fine. Just make sure it is only oil and not oil/fuel in the crank case. Plus, let it run long enough to get all the way up to temperature.

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I agree with this. I grew up with my dad doing extended oil change intervals on his trucks, doing it every few years or so. He's never had any engine issues. I do the same with my deuce as a result. For reference, we don't drive our trucks more than 500 miles per year.

The Army does periodic oil analysis. Some of their trucks don't get oil changes for years as long as the analysis comes back fine. Considering that reality, I think we're probably fine waiting a few years between oil changes, especially if you don't drive the truck a lot annually.

I also agree that the truck should be run up to operating temperature for a bit to allow moisture buildup in the engine to evaporate and go away. Otherwise oil sludge can form, and enough of it can cause a lot of problems, up to and including some mode of engine failure.

Sorry for the delay.
I started it up, all drove fine. I guess a lot just runs through my mind; did the break wheel cylinder runners crack (sitting and in Arizona heat) or did the brake fluid sitting get any water in em etc. or that stupid o ring in the IP that leaks that I replaced 2 years ago, is it still
Good. GAH I never should have let it sit it’s just, man I don’t even know why I don’t drive it. I just get home from work and am like “ugh, naw, not today”.
And I need all new tires and these are the big huge after market tires and yeah I’m sorry I don’t have 5K for tires on a truck I don’t drive so it’s like this vicious circle.

Dasgog said:

Sorry for the delay.
I started it up, all drove fine. I guess a lot just runs through my mind; did the break wheel cylinder runners crack (sitting and in Arizona heat) or did the brake fluid sitting get any water in em etc. or that stupid o ring in the IP that leaks that I replaced 2 years ago, is it still
Good. GAH I never should have let it sit it’s just, man I don’t even know why I don’t drive it. I just get home from work and am like “ugh, naw, not today”.
And I need all new tires and these are the big huge after market tires and yeah I’m sorry I don’t have 5K for tires on a truck I don’t drive so it’s like this vicious circle.

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Dasgog are we the same person? This sounds exactly like me. I let my truck sit a couple years, then nothing I would do would get it to start, and had to have it hauled off for 2K worth of work. Well, some of that was "might as wells." But you've inspired me, I'm going to fire up my truck this afternoon and take it for a nice ride. Speaking of tires, my front tires are cupped and I get a death wobble above 30mph. So that's my excuse for not driving more. And that there's a metal tab that bites me in the cheek when I'm sitting up there, and, and, and...