Modern Buddy

So, I just got a pretty great deal on an '03 Stella, but I'm wondering if I should change the oil since it's so old...


Normally, I would just go ahead and do it, but I often hear talk of the magic mystery oil that comes from the factory in many cases (granted, not in relation to the Stella, but it still has me wondering) and supposedly assists with proper break-in.



All that to say: If it were yours, would you change it, or would you leave the old gunk in there?


Thanks in advance!

Change it.

I would, just so I would start with a clean slate, not knowing what the previous owner might or might have not added in there.

I understand oil has a tendency to break down by itself over time. You've probably got dino-based stuff in there (as opposed to synthetic), which I think should be replaced with dino-based stuff until it is broken-in. After that, you could go for synthetic. I know this to be a philosophy for 4-strokes, but I think it applies to 2-strokes as well.

-jetboy

i would change it also... would you eat something that has been left out for 5 years?

Five years? Change it. What are we talking about though - the 2 cycle oil remaining in the oil injection reservoir or the gear oil in the tranny. You didn't say. I'd suggest changing both if you think that the fluids have been sitting for 5 years.

I'd replace all the fluids. It's easy, and you can make sure chunks of engine aren't coming out with the gear oil. Maybe give the carb a bath, too.

Sometimes when people find 30-year old Vespas that have been sitting in barns, they actually start up no problem, so they start riding them, forgetting that the rubber in the tires and engine seals has been rotting all that time. Modern seals and tires shouldn't be falling apart in 5 years, especially if it's been getting *some* use, but you might want to take it easy at first. If the scooter wasn't on blocks, the tires might have flat spots. Check 'em for dry rot. Ask a dealer about the odds of the seals drying out, I think you're probably fine with that, though.

Bb.

Dooglas wrote:Five years? Change it. What are we talking about though - the 2 cycle oil remaining in the oil injection reservoir or the gear oil in the tranny. You didn't say. I'd suggest changing both if you think that the fluids have been sitting for 5 years.

I was going to replace both.


Thanks a lot, everyone, for the input.

Congrats on your Stella!

Did it fit in the Element?

First thing I do when I purchase a new vehicle is replace the fluids and filters. The small cost is well worth the peace of mind.

Scro wrote:Congrats on your Stella!

Did it fit in the Element?

I will this weekend.