Shelf life

[quick_16]

Does anyone know for sure what the shelf life is for engine oil? I'm debating purchasing 10 5qt jugs of Motorcraft Syn blend 5W-20 but don't want to do it if it will spoil on the shelf in my shop.
If you answer with some time limit please explan why or how you came up with that.
Thanks

 

[Hirev]

Some where on the Shell website a couple years ago, Shell stated 5 years was the shelf life of motor oil. I would not be surprised if this number was a little conservative.

Its my understanding that the base oil will still be fine but the additive package compounds may deteriorate over time. Feel free to correct me if I'm incorrect on the last part.

 

[demarpaint]

Easily 5 years probably a lot more. I am currently using a qt of Mobil 1 10W-30 SE I found while cleaning up the workshop. No problems that I could see, and no problems with the mower I put it in. I just gave it a good shaking and used it.

Frank D

 

[Bill in Utah]

I've had stashes for decades and used oil that was up to 7 years old with no problems.

I've done UOAs on those OCI with excellent results.

Play it safe and plan on 5 years and you will be fine. I just changed the oil in my Moms 2002 Silverado using a 6 qt jug of Pennzoil she found in her garage. It was dated 11/03.

Take care, bill

 

[Cutehumor]

I would go ahead and buy it. if your worried about oil shelf life, you could buy a current spec oil and mix.

 

[firemachine69]

My engine (1-NZFE) spec's SM starburst, 5w-30. Pretty simple.

*ALL* my shell-stock (save a lone 5w-40 Syntec, no star) meets that. I'm not worried about using 5-7 year old stock in the engine, as my engine was designed around these specifications. Also, based on my drain intervals, I wouldn't be afraid of using 10 year-old shelf stuff...

 

[TallPaul]

As long as you are out of warranty, I would not worry about the starburst part.

 

[quick_16]

thanks all!