Low hours, still replace oil and filter every year?

[chechr]

Hi,

This question must have been asked several times, but I can't find it in the forums.

I own a 2011 Yamaha F60 4-Stroke....every year I change the oil and filter during winterizing. However this smmer I've put a total of 4 hours on it. Is it still a good idea to change the oil? It's not that big a deal to do it but it does take some time, some money and has some effect on the environment. So if it really doesn't need to be done, I'd skip it.

The only reason that would make sense to me is if oil really does degrade over time, but I have no idea if this is true.

I've included a poll, will be interesting to see the results.

 

[Scott Danforth]

as soon as you fire the motor up, the byproducts of combustion start to degrade your oil and make it acidic.

change your oil unless you have 0 hours on it.

next year put more than 4 hours on it.

 

[82rude]

What does the manual say about hours of use before changing oil?I know if it was my motor I wouldn't change it after 4 hours ,its a waste of time and is totally unnecessary as far as im concerned.

 

[chechr]

Manual says:

Engine Oil : Every 6 months or 100Hrs
Oil Filter: Every year or 200Hrs

So the manual does say every year, no matter the hours. Looks like the oil degradation theory may be true, otherwise why would Yamaha say 6 months? To sell more Yamalube?

 

[dingbat]

4 stokes are famous for "making water". Especially when not run long and hard enough to burn the accumulated water out of the oil.

Water freezing inside the block can't be a good thing.