Should I drive this?

[Dasgog]

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?

 

[Barrman]

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.

 

[HDN]

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.

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.