After running in the 100hp I thought of doing an oil change.

So I phoned FIAT to ask their advice: "Nah mate, that oil will run for 15k miles, no need and you will be wasting your time."

I took that with a pinch of salt and finally got around to doing it at 6000 miles..

The oil (Selenia 20k) was horrible and took ages for the sludgy treacle stuff to empty from the sump.. Far from its original condition.

If anyone is thinking of doing it after running in then go for it.

I cant believe why FIAT would advise me different? Surely it is in their own interest for owners to look after their cars as best they can?

Anyway, check the condition of the emptied oil.. Yuck. I have always been advised to change oil after a run in, and I now see why.

MED.

it dont look that bad, its still brown not black

When speaking to the dealer I wanted to change the oil at 1000 miles, they said na leave it till at least 4-5000.

Also said if it was their own car they would change the oil every 6000 rather than the 12000 as per service intervals.

dave said:

it dont look that bad, its still brown not black

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Fair enough, but remember that is only after 6k, not the scheduled 12k. And what you cant see from the picture is the blacker, slimier oil that has settled on the bottom of the bird food tub (that took an age to drip from the sump as it was like treacle)

Anyway, I'm glad I have changed it now. Peace of mind if anything.

MED.

I think you have done the right thing Med I change mine at 6000 as well and for the price of the oil and filter the engine will stay sweeter for longer

always change oil at 6k, 12k is far too long even with todays oils.

Bah you're all wusses! That oil looks ready to use for another 10k!

Hellcat said:

Bah you're all wusses! That oil looks ready to use for another 10k!

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I'm sure he would let you have it for free if your into recycling

Agreed, mine felt way better after a change at 6k and when it was serviced at 18k felt really nice again, and both times the oil that came out was nasty..... I will change mine I think every 9k I reckon, half way between scheduled services as mine will have a service before a year is up.

I hate this long interval rubbish, its only oil not magic liquid.

If you don't thrash the nuts off them, 12,000 should be ok on good quality oil - oil technology has moved on a lot since 20w50 and Austin Minis. There was an article done by a magazine years ago trying to bust the long service myth. Using Mobil 1 they had the oil analysed in a lab after a full interval and passed it fit for longer if they wished to, reckoned only the filter needed changing really.

Then again, it's a small Fiat - you HAVE to thrash the nuts off 'em :slayer:

How much did you pick up the oil and filter for out of interest? might do mine in the next couple of weeks

I had mine changed at 6000 and now at 10,000 being serviced in 3 weeks, cant believe how much better it runs when it has fresh oil.