| Author | Message | ||
     Arcticcr |
I have a couple of quarts of red line synthetic and HD oil that's been on the shelf for two years, maybe even three. All the quarts of oil are sealed. Is there a shelf life before the oil breaks down? Thanks, Jay | ||
| Zane_t |
If its been sitting on the shelf for decades, then maybe I would be concerned. In the 35 years I've been in the automotive repair industry, I've never heard of a "shelf Life" for motor oil. The cans that oil used to be stored in would start leaking if anything did happen. | ||
| Froggy |
It has been sitting in the ground for a few million years, whats a couple more gonna do?  | ||
| Sprintst |
Froggy beat me to it! Actually though, the oil does have additive packages that could be a concern. Time is part of it, temperature exposure would be another. However, I'd wager a few years is nothing, as long as it's not seeing extended high temps (maybe 150F +) http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_motor_oil_have_a_shelf_life Some companies will only guarantee it for two to five years on the shelf but others the web say that if it is shook well to remix the additives in the bottle then they haven't any problems. Don't store it any other container and don't leave open to air as it oxydizes. Opened bottles will deteriorate much quicker. Motor oil does have a shelf life. Depending on whether it is synthetic or conventional, it can be stored from any time of two - five years. Some companies will only guarantee it for two to five years on the shelf but others the web say that if it is shook well to remix the additives in the bottle then they haven't any problems. Don't store it any other container and don't leave open to air as it oxydizes. Opened bottles will deteriorate much quicker. Motor oil does have a shelf life. Depending on whether it is synthetic or conventional, it can be stored from any time of two - five years. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/AskMobil/Shelf_Life_Collection.aspx Mobil One: As long as the bottle is capped and kept dry, the product is safe to use for up to 5 years. Keeping it cool and dry are the key condit... (Message edited by sprintst on April 10, 2011) | ||
| Zacks |
I remember reading somewhere once that over a period of time, there are some components that leach out of the plastic bottles into the oil. What they are, how much and if it has a deleterious effect - that part I can't recall. | ||
| Thruster |
This is not really relevant to your question, but if gasresources.net is right, the stuff could be younger than "a few million years", and more plentiful than generally believed. | ||
| Brumbear |
ebay it as vintage!!!!!!!! |
