Does oil age...?
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
The oil itself doesn’t age, but can get water in it from condensation if the bike/car has been sitting in an enviroment where the temperature changes, like Summer 90’s to Winter 20’s.That’s why you should change it.
The oil should have been changed at least 4 times by now. 500, 1000, 4000, and about now.
Change it and start your own record of service.
The oil should have been changed at least 4 times by now. 500, 1000, 4000, and about now.
Change it and start your own record of service.
Last edited by RANGER73; Jul 16, 2018 at 08:25 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Rather than relying on what you were told go ahead and change it. That way you will know the oil situation first hand. As for oil aging? No it does not. But it does slowly accumulate impurities while lubricating a running engine.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 279
From: North Cental Iowa
Waste your $$ if you want, but the oil that's in it will be fine. Oil breaks down from use, not from just sitting, & any condensation will evaporate anytime the oil is brought up to operating temp.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
When I buy a used bike I change every fluid including brake fluid that I can. I also change out the rubber which you have, clean air cleaner element and go over the bike from top to bottom. I would do this even riding around town let alone for a road trip.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 39
From: Vineland Ontario Canada
Interesting topic, not recommending anything but we all have our way of doing things. I usually leave the same oil in my King for two to three years, that said there are not many miles between changes. The bike is stored in a dry garage attached to the house but yes it can get cold. I followed this routine on the previous Harley for 29 years with no ill effects that I new about. There was a article several years ago about a B-24 Liberator sitting in the Libyan dessert since WW2.Oil was removed from an engine and tested, I believe it turned out to be serviceable. There are ambient temperature swings in that dessert however as we all know it is a very dry region. So, like it has been said previously, if dollars and labour are not a concern, then change away. You will have piece of mind. Just food for thought.
Mike
Mike
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 168
From: Tryon, NC Cape Vincent NY
Oil does age over time, it oxidizes. In a sealed container not so much but when it has the ability to come in contact with the atmosphere it will turn darker over time.
Moisture and temp are just bonus points in the oxidation process.
Ken
Moisture and temp are just bonus points in the oxidation process.
Ken