Does dielectric grease go bad?

[paulri]

I have an old tube of dielectric grease that I'm thinking of using today when changing the spark plugs on my Civic (want to use it on the wires, not the plugs). See the attached.

I know its not very expensive, but can I still use this? To the left of the gap in the plastic is a crack.

 

[Imp4]

I'd use it...
But that doesn't mean much......

 

[paulri]

FWIW, I could just use the stuff that I need for today, and then toss the tube so the small amount of grime that has gotten onto the grease doesn't ever get used.....

I guess I'm wondering if there are any chemical properties of this stuff, that would render it ineffective if exposed to open air for years and years....the entire tube, not just the stuff along the crack.

 

[paulri]

Just found out that the rest of the tube started cracking when I started pressing to push it out the top.

I think this is getting tossed. I'll get some new stuff at an auto parts store nearby.

 

[MrMoody]

Does dielectric grease go bad? No, it smells like that when it's new.

 

[DGXR]

As long as it's still thick and pasty, which it looks like, yes I would use it.
The necessary ingredients are still there and for your application (spark plug boots) you will be fine.

 

[Dave9]

It never goes bad, at least not in decades. Tube cracking means nothing, just scoop out what you can that isn't contaminated with grime and put it in a clean container. I find it easier to use in a container rather than a tube anyway...