Dropping the oil when stone cold?

[eltax91]

Hi guys

My mx5 weekend toy is up in the air awaiting its winter overhaul. Which includes all the oils, coolant, plugs, Cambelt etc etc being changed. I had intended to run the car to warm the engine oil up before I dropped it, like I always was taught....

The thing is the battery has now decided to expire, killed By the cold weather I suspect. I've tried my CTEK and my booster and it won't jump start from another car either!

Ideally, I don't want to buy a new battery to have it sat in the car for several weeks whilst I slowly get the work done, to then find I've goosed a new battery too!

So, any easy way to warm the oil up in the sump without running it? Or will is really make much difference dropping it cold?

[DKS]

I really think it'll be fine. Maybe leave it draining for a bit longer whilst you have a brew or some lunch. How much might be left cos it's not as runny? Table spoon?
I admit I've done it before where the car's in the right spot already. I'm a steadfast fan of not running engine unless really needed.

[xstian]

I usually drain the oil out of my cars when they are cold. I tend to think that if the car has not been run for a few hours, all the oil will be in the sump and not else where in the engine. It does take a little longer to drain out, but I'm not interested in doing an F1 pit stop.

They say that the warm oil will help pull out any sludge that is in the bottom of the sump. I'm not so sure if it really helps. If I was worried about sludge in the sump I would probable remove it and clean it properly.

I would say it won't make any difference. Especially if you are only doing it once.

Now queue lots of people saying my engine will blow up any minute for not draining it when warm.

[McWigglebum4th]

If you can drop the sump and clean it out.

Or if you feel brave and lazy throw in a gallon of kerosene once you have drained the oil and let that drain out

[steveo3002]

wouldnt worry if its a regular oil change under normal use , if its super filthy then yeah warmed up might be better

[357RS]

Most of the oil will have drained into the sump after the last time the engine was run.
Leave it draining for an hour or so and tilted towards the sump plug if you can.