I’m not concerned about hot/cold for ease of draining or safety against burns. I’m thinking mostly about potential sediment in the oil, and draining it the best it can.
I’ve been overthinking it, and I can understand two schools of thought about changing out.
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let the engine set, so that all the oil drains from the head and passages into the oil pan. Then drain the pan.
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Run the engine so that sediment is suspended/mixed back into the oil. More sediment remains in the head, but less sediment in the oil pan.
My truck has been sitting for a week, and I’m not in a hurry to get it done. What’s the best way for me to drain the oil?
Run it for a few minutes to circulate the oil and then let it sit for a few minutes before draining.
The you have the oil drained back into the oil pan and ensure sediment is suspended in the oil.
Getting the oil hot is one of the most overblown wives tales there is.
Just take the drain plug out and let gravity do its job.
In the old days 1960s and 1970s, we warmed the oil first. Conventional oil did not suspend contaminates. Modern oils can be drained hot or cold. I do cold whenever possible to maximize the amount that comes out.