Author Topic: shelf life of motor oil? (Read 413 times)

JeffTepper · « **on:** July, 23, 2009, 09:05:05 AM »

So does motor oil have a shelf life? If so, what is it? My brother-n-law was cleaning out his garage and came across a case of Castrol GTX that is "SL" meaning it most likely still has more zinc in it than the "SM" stuff currnetly being sold. He can't remember how long it has been in the garage but I would guess several years at least.

silverblueBP · « **Reply #1 on:** July, 23, 2009, 09:12:14 AM »

Good question, send a sample in to Blackstone Labs and see. It would be interesting to see the results!

cmayna · « **Reply #2 on:** July, 23, 2009, 10:20:16 AM »

I can't imagine an unopen bottle of oil goes bad. Why don't you do a research on the zinc and phos levels of that oil to see if it's even worth the while.

Fast68back · « **Reply #3 on:** July, 23, 2009, 10:35:22 AM »

How long you figure it was in the ground?

silverblueBP · « **Reply #4 on:** July, 23, 2009, 10:48:51 AM »

Quote from: Fast68back on July, 23, 2009, 10:35:22 AM

How long you figure it was in the ground?

Quote from: Fast68back on July, 23, 2009, 10:35:22 AM

How long you figure it was in the ground?

Dammit, you read my mind :rofl

Sacbill · « **Reply #5 on:** July, 23, 2009, 08:14:45 PM »

here's what I found on that elaborate series of tubes called "the Interweb:"

In general, liquid lubricants (ie. oils, not greases) will remain intact for a number of years. The main factor affecting the life of the oil is the storage condition for the products. Exposure to extreme temperature changes, and moisture will reduce the shelf life of the lubricants. ie. don't leave in the sun with the lid off. Best to keep them sealed and unopened.

More info HERE.