My 560SL is driven about 250 miles a year. What do you guys recommend for the oil change interval for a garage queen that is driven regularly, but spends most of its time in storage? I have it on a two year schedule currently.

_________________
1980 280ZX 2+2
2003 350z Touring
2005 350Z Touring - Silverstone Gray
CT plate PHILSZ

Dinosaur oil, or synthetic?

_________________
1970 240Z

Will be using either Pennzoil or Valvoline synthetic for European.

_________________
1980 280ZX 2+2
2003 350z Touring
2005 350Z Touring - Silverstone Gray
CT plate PHILSZ

Synthetic doesn't break-down as rapidly as dinosaur, so it wouldn't need a change as often. I realiZe that doesn't give you an actual answer to your specific question. I run blends or pure synthetics and I change it when it changes to a color darker than weak tea. That's probably premature but I'd prefer to err on the side of caution.

And yes, pure fossil oils can sludge up just sitting long enough, regardless of the miles you put on the car. Condensation inside the engine block can (does) also create minor corrosion which falls/drips into the oil pan. I like to run my car every 2-3 weeks just to push the oil thru the filter during the winter, and to keep my carbs wet. (some people strongly disagree with that practice). I also know guys who completely drain their crankcase and radiator over the winter, but that ain't me, babe.

_________________
1970 240Z

I do the same routine as Frank does. It's the moisture that you should worry about collecting in the engine. You should try to remove it periodically, and the best way would be to run the engine every few weeks to get the oil nice and hot to cook off the moisture (condensate). I would also recommend running the car in and out of your storage area at that time so all lubed parts (gears, bearings and seals) are recoated with lubricants. If you do that, you can also get the tires repositioned in their stored position so they don't get flat spotted.

What about the gas in the car? How much gas in in the tank and how old is it? Did you use stabilizer? Old gas will play real havoc with your entire fuel system.

I hope this helps.

_________________
John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner

What's it say in the Book? If the engine was before synthetic, why spend the extra money. The best thing to do is pick an oil and stick with it. Never change brands. I go by the color on the dipstick. My 240, regular Valvoline, gets one every 1,000 miles it seems. My Toyota truck Mobile 1, can go 10,000 miles on a change. Nothing to do with the oil, just 2 different engines. All in All, oil is better than no oil.