Truth or Being BS'd???
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 16
From: Tennessee
Truth or Being BS'd???
Had a case at least of Amsoil 20w50 for motorcycle use, a couple of quarts of Amsoil 75W140 gear oil. This is all new in the sealed quart containers. Was going to use it in my new to me 2012 FLHTK. Since it is new, but old in the containers, probably have had it for 7 to 8 years, I called Amsoil headquarters and asked them if there was a shelf life of these products. I was told not to use it after 5 years of shelf life. I asked why it would go bad being in my heated / air conditioned shop? He said that the additives break down after that amount of time.
I went and bought fresh Mobil 1 V-Twin yesterday at Wal-Mart. (I get a discount as my wife works there). So, I guess I will dump (recycle) a bunch of Amsoil that cost a lot.
I was talking to a HD parts guy later and he said that was BS and the oil should still be fine. Would you use it and do you think it is true that it only has a 5 year shelf life of have I been BS'd.....?
I went and bought fresh Mobil 1 V-Twin yesterday at Wal-Mart. (I get a discount as my wife works there). So, I guess I will dump (recycle) a bunch of Amsoil that cost a lot.
I was talking to a HD parts guy later and he said that was BS and the oil should still be fine. Would you use it and do you think it is true that it only has a 5 year shelf life of have I been BS'd.....?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
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From: Honah Lee
You don't trust what the maker says and yet you think you are going to get a expert who has oil that old, used it and then actually knew how much or little damage was caused by using it?.. Seriously?? 
Not sure why you want to use the 75W-140 anyway. Even Harley says that is wrong for at least a couple measurable reason plus the age.
Not sure why you want to use the 75W-140 anyway. Even Harley says that is wrong for at least a couple measurable reason plus the age.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Mar 25, 2018 at 06:30 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
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From: Idaho Panhandle
I,d worry more about old tires than oil sealed in its container.
As a motorcyclist for 54 years, I have not only used old oil, and mixed brands. If the oils meet the same specs, and I am a quart short, I'll use another brand.
I'd even worry about old belts, drive or even fan belts, as tires, belts, rubber items are not sealed and rot, oxidize, crack, age, fart or whatever.
Older engines were more forgiving. Modern engine depend on good additives.
Sealed oil, even if the additives were not as fresh as when new, will still protect. I'd check my oil condition and shorten the change interval. The key is unopened oil stored in cool dry locations. If it's been out in a shed, it has been through temperature and humidity changes.
When I've used older oil, bought in bulk, so 7-8 years old, there was no sediment. I used it.
My evo went 116,000 on Castrol, I bought two cases when I bought the bike. Still running strong when sold, though the fork oil was toast.
As a motorcyclist for 54 years, I have not only used old oil, and mixed brands. If the oils meet the same specs, and I am a quart short, I'll use another brand.
I'd even worry about old belts, drive or even fan belts, as tires, belts, rubber items are not sealed and rot, oxidize, crack, age, fart or whatever.
Older engines were more forgiving. Modern engine depend on good additives.
Sealed oil, even if the additives were not as fresh as when new, will still protect. I'd check my oil condition and shorten the change interval. The key is unopened oil stored in cool dry locations. If it's been out in a shed, it has been through temperature and humidity changes.
When I've used older oil, bought in bulk, so 7-8 years old, there was no sediment. I used it.
My evo went 116,000 on Castrol, I bought two cases when I bought the bike. Still running strong when sold, though the fork oil was toast.
Last edited by son of the hounds; Mar 25, 2018 at 07:30 PM. Reason: The newer the bike, the higher the tolerance, the more the need for good additives
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 324
From: Ponce Inlet
It may still be good. But, for the cost of oil, I wouldn't want to worry about it being in my bike. I'd buy new.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 16
From: Tennessee
Nah, I would not do that as I feel that would be dishonest and not fair. I know a lot of folks would, but I still try to follow the golden rule.
Last edited by Phil_R; Mar 27, 2018 at 06:12 AM.