Yup, another oil thread. With the recent oil thread for Mobil1 15-50 oil on sale at Advance Auto Parts and the possibility of stocking up on it, I am curious if oil has a valid shelf life. Yeah, winter is creeping in.

 

I don't think so.

 

I do believe there is about a 12Month Shelf Life... Send the old stuff to me and I'll recycle it for ya...

Just kidding... It will probably be good when we're long gone...

 

do you see a expiration date on the bottle? as long as the bottle is sealed answer is NO

 

Asked the same question of a couple different mechanics. Was told as long as not opened no problem.

 

Yes, oil does have a shelf life. You should not use oil that has been on the shelf longer then it's been in the ground. Around 5 or 6 million years.

 

I do contract work for the plant that bottles Mobil 1, Exxon, and other re-branded products--and they told me they usually recycle any oil that is five years or more old. They said they might re-test and recertify oil that sits that long, as their QC requirements are high, but also admitted that it probably is okay after that much time. I buy another brand of oil in 5-gal. pails, and it routinely sits for several years before I use it all.

 

Until the oil is dirty, it is good. When you pull the stick and look at it. when it gets REAL dirty, then change it.

100% synthetic oil is so much different than conventional oil. Conventional oil looses it's slippery~ness when it gets too hot. pure synthetic does not.

ALOT of the oil changes that occured years ago was becasue of oil breakdown due to heat.

This, and dirt does get in the oil are the only reasons to change the oil, after enginge break in.

The Synthetic oil in my transmission (Redline shockproof heavy) is good for 7,000 miles. I have about 4-5K on it now, and when you check the level, it is still nice and clean.

It's the dirt in the oil that necessitates changing synthetic oil.

P.S. Harley Syn3 is NOT pure synthetic oil....it is a blend....and WAY,WAY too thin to use in a transmission!

~Joe

 

Good answer! I think the only fluids we put in our bikes that have a shelf life is Brake Fluid (Dot4 especially), once the container has been opened.
And yes, I did put winter air in my tyres.

 

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...t-storage-life