M1 set out in weather for 2 years - any good?

[Eastexan]

When I moved 2 years ago, a new jug of M1 somehow got left outside with some jugs of used oil.

When I went to dispose of them the other day, I found this one hadn't been opened.

The cap was cracked (apparently hit during moving), but the seal was tight.

I'm wondering if I poured it into a clear container and it's still clear and no water in it, would it still be usable?
It would really be a waste if it isn't.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I'd use it.

If its sealed (it is) there is NOTHING that the jug sitting out side is going to be WORST then the oil sitting in the sump!

Since its sealed, shake the heck out of it and use it. No need to do anything else.

Bill

 

[mechtech2]

DO NOT USE IT!
So please Fed Ex it to me...

Just kidding. Go ahead and use it with good conscience. Just like in golf, not all luck is bad.

 

[demarpaint]

Go for it! I still have 1 qt of Mobil 1 10W30 API SE {that's very old oil} in my garage. The seal is also broken, it will be used this fall when I fog my lawn mower and change the oil for winter storage.

 

[Cutehumor]

I would use it. it's syn after all. if your worried about condensation in the oil, the engine will run hot enough to burn all of it out of the oil. use with confidence

 

[Eastexan]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
I would use it. it's syn after all. if your worried about condensation in the oil, the engine will run hot enough to burn all of it out of the oil. use with confidence


Thanks, I was concerned with condensation and maybe shelf life.
I have read that oil starts to degrade after a number of years and was thinking that if that were true, then maybe shelf life can be speeded up being subject to the extremes of being out in the weather.
I've seen the results of certain plastics, paint, etc being degraded by direct sunlight, and was just wondering if oil or additives could also be affected.
Maybe I just worry too much.

I appreciate everyones input.

 

[sciphi]

Use it. IIRC the unopened shelf life of motor oil is 5-6 years. It's likely longer.

 

[ottotheclown]

I would guess no. Either way why would you take a chance?????

Originally Posted By: Eastexan
When I moved 2 years ago, a new jug of M1 somehow got left outside with some jugs of used oil.

When I went to dispose of them the other day, I found this one hadn't been opened.

The cap was cracked (apparently hit during moving), but the seal was tight.

I'm wondering if I poured it into a clear container and it's still clear and no water in it, would it still be usable?
It would really be a waste if it isn't.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Absolutely! I`d use it.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Originally Posted By: ottotheclown
I would guess no. Either way why would you take a chance?????

People take calculated chances every day, it's part of life.

Originally Posted By: Eastexan
the extremes of being out in the weather.


I would hardly call terrestrial weather "extreme" temperatures compared to inside an engine, where the oil is good for a timeframe greater than a year or two anyway.

 

[Mystic]

I remember reading somewhere that Pennzoil says that motor oil has a shelf life of 18 months. But if the quart of oil still had the seal intact and as long as it still meets the requirments you might as well use it. But since it is only one quart I think I would use it in something like a lawnmower.

 

[Eastexan]

Originally Posted By: Mystic
I remember reading somewhere that Pennzoil says that motor oil has a shelf life of 18 months. But if the quart of oil still had the seal intact and as long as it still meets the requirments you might as well use it. But since it is only one quart I think I would use it in something like a lawnmower.


Actually, it's a gallon jug.
Using it in lawn mowers is a good idea. That's probably what I'll do. Thanks everyone

 

[Patman]

Originally Posted By: Mystic
I remember reading somewhere that Pennzoil says that motor oil has a shelf life of 18 months.


That's way too short. By the time the oil hits the stores it's probably already a month or two old, so that doesn't leave much time left for the customer to use it if that were true. The true shelf life of oil is closer to 5 to 10 years.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: Patman
Originally Posted By: Mystic
I remember reading somewhere that Pennzoil says that motor oil has a shelf life of 18 months.


That's way too short. By the time the oil hits the stores it's probably already a month or two old, so that doesn't leave much time left for the customer to use it if that were true. The true shelf life of oil is closer to 5 to 10 years.


+1. it's always been 5-10 years. I've read 10 years is possible if sealed and stored in stable weather conditions. eg. in my 2nd bedroom closet.

 

[mechtech2]

Woody Allen [in Sleeper]conclusively proved that oil is good for 200 years, when he started that VW bug on the first try after a 200 year sit!

 

[Audi Junkie]

Nobody has yet to explain the actual degradation mechanism, except additive fallout.

 

[UncleS2]

Shake it up & run it!