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If you change the oil in your mower, and only put a couple of hours on it at the end of the season. Does it hurt the oil to set, or is it fine to run the oil to the next service after sitting for the winter?

I wouldn't worry about it and just run it until the next service. Unless is contains water like milky color i don't think run should be a problem.

All quality oils have additives in them to combat corrosion and negative effects from the acidity oil picks up from being used in an internal combustion engine. The oil itself would likely last far beyond the service interval but the primary reason for changing it at the intervals recommended by the engine manufacturer is that clean oil is better for the engine than dirty oil. The oil in small engines gets dirty and contaminated faster than say, in a car. To maintain performance and longevity, change at the manufacturers suggested interval. Unless the oil gets contaminated with more water than what would be deposited from typical condensation while in off-season storage, it should be fine to run it. Any condensation would be evaporated out when the engine is warmed up.

Thank you for the info. I change it every 50 hrs. I changed it right before winter storage, and only put 5 of the 50 hrs on it. I was hoping it would be ok to run the next 45 of the 50 hrs out of it.

I always try to choose tasks that bring the engine up to proper oil operating temp ( 190F on a guage). That is not always easy for a homeowner (vs pro). Drives the accumulated moisture out of the oil, and promotes proper lubrication. If you perform lots of short tasks I would dump the oil based on time (often).

motoman said:

I always try to choose tasks that bring the engine up to proper oil operating temp ( 190F on a guage). That is not always easy for a homeowner (vs pro). Drives the accumulated moisture out of the oil, and promotes proper lubrication. If you perform lots of short tasks I would dump the oil based on time (often).

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I use it for lawncare but just mowing only so it doesnt get run any during the winter months. I start it up every month during the winter, and let it warm up to a good operating temp. I did decide to go ahead, and change it though because $35 worth of oil v/s $1800 for a new engine. I would much rather spend the $35 anyday. Thank you to all for the input. I do wonder though how long oil could set though that has been used a little, and still be considered ok to run after a time of non-use of the equipment it is in?

wjj, As stated above the oils are very good at holding moisture without corrosion up to a point. If you are using synthetic perhaps it is ok to extend the drain interval, but i believe that still asumes full operating temp is reached. Each time the engine is used and stopped cold, moisture is there, and each additional cold usage adds moisture. Of course , at 290F you get other problems ( like head disassembly).

motoman said:

wjj, As stated above the oils are very good at holding moisture without corrosion up to a point. If you are using synthetic perhaps it is ok to extend the drain interval, but i believe that still asumes full operating temp is reached. Each time the engine is used and stopped cold, moisture is there, and each additional cold usage adds moisture. Of course , at 290F you get other problems ( like head disassembly).

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So after setting for the winter regardless of hours it is better to just change it... makes sense to me.