Semi-dormant maintenance program...

[Wiggler]

Ok, so I just changed the oil. I looked at my records... it's been exactly six months and 143 miles since I changed the oil. Compared to me, Grandmas' Camry looks like a commercial fleet delivery vehicle.
When I drained it, it looked translucent, maybe still halfway fresh not black like in a normal oil change....
but here's the problem, I'm always putting in 6 quarts, and after ONE HUNDRED & FORTY THREE miles... I got just a little over 5 quarts, what gives? Where could the extra quart be disappearing? I know in a normal interval, it is common for any vehicle to burn up a quart, but is it normal if the car just sits there the majority of the time??? Don't get me wrong... I still start it up and drive it around the neighborhood for about 25 minutes twice a week, just to circulate everything and keep seals healthy.
And could I get away with bi-annual oil changes in my situation?

[BCC93QT]

You are removing the oil when HOT right? Strange. An entire quart lost in 143 miles... Although I have the 45 and not the 41 I change my oil twice a year @ about 10k mile intervals. I put 6 1/2 quarts and when removed its a touch over 6. No spots on the driveway or slight smoke on warm up?

[Skibane]

You didn't happen to change the oil while the vehicle was parked on an incline, did you?

[Wiggler]

Actually Ski, I always put the all my cars up on my ramps to get to the underside, so it technically IS on an incline, right? And you know what BC? I did change the oil when the car was cold, because I'm always worried of scalding my hands on the exhaust or hot oil... so maybe I didn't get all of it out...
One thing that strikes me as an engineering oversight is the fact that the drain plug is on the side of the pan rather than at an angle on the back of it. This probably causes a little residual to pool up in the back straightaway of the pan. I don't have any leaks whatsoever.. and never seen or smelt any blue smoke at startup. I guess I'll just make sure the motor is a little more warmed up next time I guess. But then it takes a lot longer for all the oil to drain, right?

[BCC93QT]

The warmer the oil the thinner it is which essentially means it drains quicker... I always change my oil after a good 30 minute drive

[elwesso]

Agreed, when I drain the oil I always do it hot, open the hood and let the car cool off for about 30-45 mins (maybe 2-4 beers worth) then take the filter off after it's cooled off quite a bit...

Yeah I don't like on the VH the drain plug is on the side, on almost every other car I've owned (BMWs and American cars) the drain plug is in the back.

I'd say it's possible you didn't get it all out. Also remember that fluids expand as they get hotter..

[Wiggler]

So, just to follow up, do you guys think it's ok for me to do the biannual oil changes, given the CRAZY & INSANE amount of mileage I'm racking up in between?

on almost every other car I've owned (BMWs and American cars) the drain plug is in the back.

Don't say "American cars". It's rude and offensive to Toyotas, Hondas and even the "I'm also a BMW !" Z3 that are all made here too. Say "American BRAND cars", . It's more politically correct....

[BCC93QT]

So, just to follow up, do you guys think it's ok for me to do the biannual oil changes, given the CRAZY & INSANE amount of mileage I'm racking up in between?

on almost every other car I've owned (BMWs and American cars) the drain plug is in the back.

Don't say "American cars". It's rude and offensive to Toyotas, Hondas and even the "I'm also a BMW !" Z3 that are all made here too. Say "American BRAND cars", . It's more politically correct....

Right, because this country has come to the point where anything offensive is not tolerated.

[Wiggler]

BC, you know I'm just joshin' around, right?

[BCC93QT]

Yes, I have come to the conclusion that you do that often.