Oil in open 5 gal. container; how long is it good

[thomasew]

I have some leftover oil in 5 gal. containers that has been sitting for several months. Is it OK to use it, or should I dump it?

 

[tommygunn]

I'd consider at least filtering it through coffee filters, paper towel, shop towels or something of the like. Smell it to make sure the local cat did not Pee in it. Haha

 

[pbm]

I assume you mean a 5 quart container.
I have used 15 to 17 year old oil in my car without a problem.
It's oil not milk.....it doesn't go bad, it just isn't the current spec.

 

[Bgallagher]

It shouldn't be a problem. If you are nervous using it in your car then use it in your machines. My mowers and snowblower pur like a kitten on leftovers.

 

[LeakySeals]

Most oil mfg's state 5 years in documentation. But that depends on exposure. Just mix all the extra 5qts together, buy a new quart or two, whatever the difference is, use everything up in an OC. Start over.

 

[dparm]

No real shelf life. Probably fine for several years, and even after that I question how it would "go bad" short of getting a crazy amount of moisture inside.

 

[Jeffy_D]

The additives might settle after a year. Just shake it good and use it.

 

[thomasew]

Also, I forgot to mention, it has been capped tightly in the jugs. A quart or two is 5w30, and another quart is 5w20. Does everyone think it will be OK to mix those together?

 

[KCJeep]

Originally Posted By: thomasew
Also, I forgot to mention, it has been capped tightly in the jugs. A quart or two is 5w30, and another quart is 5w20. Does everyone think it will be OK to mix those together?


Tightly capped it should be just fine for many years, and yes you can mix the two (same brand and flavor would be preferable) just realize your going to end up with a much thinner oil with 5w20 at 1/3.

 

[Rob_Roy]

Shake the oil up a bit and use it with confidence. I have some 6 gallon pails that are a few years old, I haven't seen any evidence of additive fall-out and the oil continues to work well for me.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: thomasew
Also, I forgot to mention, it has been capped tightly in the jugs. A quart or two is 5w30, and another quart is 5w20. Does everyone think it will be OK to mix those together?


Mix away! Do it all the time.

 

[InvalidUserID]

I put all my left overs from 5 quart jugs and give it to my father to use in my oil burning Saturn. Keeps him from spending $$$ on make-up oil and me from drowning in un-used though otherwise perfectly fine oil.