When to change the oil is one of the biggest questions of owning anything with an engine.
Ideally the oil should be changed when it needs changing and not unnecessarily frequently.
Mostly manufacturers err on the side of caution with their recommendations. This is not true in every case. This is because engine usage and condition has such a huge effect on the rate of oil contamination.
An engine in good condition that is used for long periods and has fewer cold starts will suffer oil contamination far less than an engine that is frequently started from cold and rarely runs long enough to be at maximum working temperature for any significant time and therefore will need fewer oil changes.
The specification of the oil used also has an effect. A high spec, high detergent oil provides superior protection but holds more contamination in suspension which keeps the inside of the engine cleaner but the oil can become abrasive and corrosive if used for shorter runs whereas a lower spec. oil provides less protection for hard work but does allow heavier solids contamination to settle out while the engine stands and so when restarted the oil is less harmful.
The final choice is yours. Low spec oil is cheaper and so more oil changes can be done for the same money which would be ideal for short-run engines. The best guide is your eyes and nose. A drop of oil from the crankcase rubbed between thumb and finger and then wiped with a cloth will indicate the level of contamination. If a single wipe leaves a clean finger and the oil smells clean, regardless of whether it appears dirty, means no oil change is needed.
Certainly whatever frequency you choose, the engine should be brought up to full working temperature and an oil change performed before laying up at the end of the season.
Answers & Comments
Mine says to change after 50 hours of operation or at least every year
When to change the oil is one of the biggest questions of owning anything with an engine.
Ideally the oil should be changed when it needs changing and not unnecessarily frequently.
Mostly manufacturers err on the side of caution with their recommendations. This is not true in every case. This is because engine usage and condition has such a huge effect on the rate of oil contamination.
An engine in good condition that is used for long periods and has fewer cold starts will suffer oil contamination far less than an engine that is frequently started from cold and rarely runs long enough to be at maximum working temperature for any significant time and therefore will need fewer oil changes.
The specification of the oil used also has an effect. A high spec, high detergent oil provides superior protection but holds more contamination in suspension which keeps the inside of the engine cleaner but the oil can become abrasive and corrosive if used for shorter runs whereas a lower spec. oil provides less protection for hard work but does allow heavier solids contamination to settle out while the engine stands and so when restarted the oil is less harmful.
The final choice is yours. Low spec oil is cheaper and so more oil changes can be done for the same money which would be ideal for short-run engines. The best guide is your eyes and nose. A drop of oil from the crankcase rubbed between thumb and finger and then wiped with a cloth will indicate the level of contamination. If a single wipe leaves a clean finger and the oil smells clean, regardless of whether it appears dirty, means no oil change is needed.
Certainly whatever frequency you choose, the engine should be brought up to full working temperature and an oil change performed before laying up at the end of the season.