At the farm we have a 55 gallon steel drum of SAE-30wt oil that is probably about 5-7 years old. My father who isn't an oil nut by any stretch of the imagination runs it in our (gasp) Ford 6700 diesel tractor, '83 Chevy 1 ton w/366 tall block, and our '58 Ford Jubilee 4cyl tractor(gas). Is the oil still good after sitting in the drum for so long? Of the 3 above mentioned engines, which ones would benefit greatly from a different oil? I'm thinking the 6700 diesel and the 1 ton dually. Thoughts?
Does oil in a drum age?
- Thread starter EmbarkChief
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I would be more worried about rust forming on the inside of the top from condensation and falling into the oil.
The question is also, "how good was the oil when it was brand new??" Can you identify it any better?
If it's a straight SAE 30, I would not run it in a diesel at all. Few staight 30's have any kind of decent diesel ratings.
HDEO's are too cheap to risk it, imho. I'd get some Delo, Rotella, or Delvac for this tractor.
![[Big Grin]](images/icons/grin.gif){kind=icon}
Well, since the drum was free... ![[Cheers!]](/forums/graemlins/cheers.gif)
Its been a while since I've really looked at it but I'm thinking its Chevron, maybe due in part to the blue drum but I'm certain its SAE-30. I don't even know how much is left in there to be honest, but I know its not good for the big tractor to be running on it. It looks clean enough, never saw anything floating in it when drawn out through the pump.
Its been a while since I've really looked at it but I'm thinking its Chevron, maybe due in part to the blue drum but I'm certain its SAE-30. I don't even know how much is left in there to be honest, but I know its not good for the big tractor to be running on it. It looks clean enough, never saw anything floating in it when drawn out through the pump.You could use it to heat your garage.
MolaKule
Staff member
quote:If the top is fairly secure (some drums have bolted rim rings around the edge holding the lid onto the drum) then the only problem with it would be condensation or an occasional bug falling into it. If the drum lid has a tight fitting pump sitting on it, then I wouldn't worry. I agree with the others, an expensive diesel tractor should be running a 15W40 HDEO oil, like Schaeffer's #700 or Amsoil AME.
I don't even know how much is left in there to be honest, but I know its not good for the big tractor to be running on it. It looks clean enough, never saw anything floating in it when drawn out through the pump.
Oh its sealed up very nicely, the drum has bung fittings (1A2 spec IIRC) one of which has a hand operated pump that screws into the bung threads. Its not open to the elements and is inside a barn. It doesn't have a lid if that's what some of yall were thinking.
No one has answered his first question yet! I would like to know also if oil in a drum goes bad, after a period of years, rust and condensation aside. Also in his climate, I wouldnt think he has a need to burn it as heating oil in his shop.
MolaKule
Staff member
quote:Yes, as long as no contamination has occurred from any ouside sources. Most oil is good for 10 years without any major chemistry changes. I would be more concerned about the barrel rusting from the ouside in! [ June 24, 2004, 02:58 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]
Is the oil still good after sitting in the drum for so long?
quote:Excellent bit of info there MolaKule! Now I may just buy that case of Valvolilne Durablend SJ 10w40 I saw at Meijers last week (assuming SJ is better than SL--my truck can take SH).
Originally posted by MolaKule: [QUOTE] Most oil is good for 10 years without any major chemistry changes.
That's what I was looking for, 10 years. Now the next project is talking Dad into a different oil...
I've always been very curious about drum oil stored long-term, but for a different reason. Does it separate? With 1-qt bottled oils, it doesn't matter since the whole thing gets dumped into the sump and theoretically remixed if so. But with 55 gal drums, the hand pump's intake is at a certain "layer" of the drum. Might one or more additives to the oil (anti-corrosion/anti-foam/anti-friction/anti-wear/pour point/VII/D&D/etc.) settle out over years and "layer" within the drum depending on whether it's heavier or lighter than the base stock? I've wondered as the need to somehow "mix" drum oil stored long-term.
[ June 24, 2004, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: TC ]
I would think an oil analysis of a sample from the drum could set your mind at ease.
MolaKule
Staff member
Personally, I have never seen any spearation of modern oils stored for long periods.
The dispersant additive seems to do a fine job of also keeping everything well mixed and blended.
Now to address the tamborine question..... ![[Dual]](/forums/graemlins/itschy.gif)
![[Eek!]](images/icons/shocked.gif){kind=icon}
quote:I ABSOULUTELY HATE using drum oil, no matter how great the original quality. Unless it was very, very carefully taken care of, opened drum oil goes south pretty darn quickly. Trust me on this one...I've spent my fair share of time on farms and I fully understand how difficult it is to throw away "perfectly good" oil. Convince dad to dump the drum oil and go pick up some $6/gallon jugs of HDEO 15w-40, be it: Chevron Delo 400 Mobil Delvac 1300 Shell Rotella-T Pennzoil Long-Life Run whichever 15w-40 in all your vehicles and off-highway equipment.
Originally posted by EmbarkChief: At the farm we have a 55 gallon steel drum of SAE-30wt oil that is probably about 5-7 years old. My father who isn't an oil nut by any stretch of the imagination runs it in our (gasp) Ford 6700 diesel tractor, '83 Chevy 1 ton w/366 tall block, and our '58 Ford Jubilee 4cyl tractor(gas). Is the oil still good after sitting in the drum for so long? Of the 3 above mentioned engines, which ones would benefit greatly from a different oil? I'm thinking the 6700 diesel and the 1 ton dually. Thoughts?
Just go to the local Chevron Distributor and pick up in bulk. Use a Plastic Barrel for Storage. At least thats what all the smaller farmers in this area do. All the big guys have Storage Tanks.
If you dont put many hours on it and just need to change once a year dealing with the gal jugs isnt to bad.
How many gallons does a 6700 hold anyway?
The SAE 30 as long as its not Non-Detergent (unless it is winter weight 2 Stroke Detroit Diesel Stuff) will be fine in the gassers most likely. Dont use it if you are going to be starting it below 40F (4.4C) though.
Gene
Thanks for the replies fellas, now I just need to get rid of that drum when he's not there...
Dad: "Where is did the drum of 30wt go?"
Me: "What drum?"
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