"John H." wrote in message
...
On Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:00:44 -0500, sherwindu
wrote:

Again, I see differing positions. It's not the cost of the oil, but the
time
and
effort involved, including disposing of the old oil. As far as gear oil,
I
think that
is even less of justification to change. The only time I think gear oil
needs
changing
is if it turns milky, indicating that water mixed with it. I think
changing
engine oil
on an engine with just a few hours is overkill. If you have nothing
better to
do with
your time, knock yourself out.

Toller wrote:

I bought a Honda 4 stroke 2hp motor 6 years ago. The first required
maintenance is at 10 hours; changing the engine oil and the gear case
oil.
I used it for about 2 hours and then put it in storage because I sold
the
boat I used it on.
I drained the gas, changed the engine oil and the gear case oil.

This year I bought a new boat and put another 2 hours on it, and am
putting
it away for the winter.
Should I bother changing the oils? It isn't called for even once for
another 6 hours, and I have already done it once.
On the other hand, I don't want to wreck an expensive motor for a little
oil.
Whatcha think?

Don't know the laws in your state, but in Virginia almost every gas
station
accepts used oil.

My wife has a new Toyota Highlander. The maintenance schedule calls for an
oil change every 5000 miles or six months, whichever occurs first. During
the first six months, she put almost 1200 miles on the vehicle.

Should she have changed the oil at the six month mark?


Certainly. That's why they say 5000 miles *or* six months.
Particularly important with a new engine that is being broken in.

Eisboch