[Kurt in NJ]

Oil that look "fresh and brand new" can be oil that has set in the pan for 30 years and all the dirt settled out and is thick in the bottom of the pan, drain it at least, even if you save it in a clean pan, ----if no oil comes out the sludge is quite thick and after you poke it to drain the oil take the pan off to clean it, probably advisable on any engine that has sat a long time , after the oil as been drained feel around with a piece of wire and see what you find ---this will help you decide if you drop the pan