Storing Unopened Oil
- Thread starter Lurch
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Store them indoors or where temperature is fairly stable is what I was told.
Yes, i've read a quote on a Castrol engineer somewhere on BITOG that, with time, moisture can penetrate plastic canisters thru osmosis, thus he advised to store it, as demarpaint said, at stable temperature and to avoid cold temps..
I store my oil in a part of an unused closet. Works great if you/your better half have closet space to spare.
I have my oil in the unheated garage, but I live in So Cal therefore the temp is very stable all year from a low of about 50-55F in winter to a high of 70-75F in summer. Only few days a years the low in the garage can be around 45F and the high at 80F.
I have heard and read many times not to store oil in cold temps.
Why is this, and what happens to the oil when stored in low temps? Is it all about moisture? Would the moisture not just burn off?
I used to store in my garage. but now store it in the basement.
Why is this, and what happens to the oil when stored in low temps? Is it all about moisture? Would the moisture not just burn off?
I used to store in my garage. but now store it in the basement.
I store in a cool basement. Remember though, it is a fire hazard, so don't store it near a hallway or above the kitchen.
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
I have heard and read many times not to store oil in cold temps.
Quote:
Yup.
Quote:
Why is this[/quote[
Because (see below)
Quote:
, and what happens to the oil when stored in low temps?
Thick, Cold Oil. Lots of Moisture, means Water. Means Water in Oil. :shock: (kind of.)
I have heard and read many times not to store oil in cold temps.
Quote:
Yup.
Quote:
Why is this[/quote[
Because (see below)
Quote:
, and what happens to the oil when stored in low temps?
Thick, Cold Oil. Lots of Moisture, means Water. Means Water in Oil. :shock: (kind of.)
Is it all about moisture?
Yup.
Quote:
Would the moisture not just burn off?
Noope. Its just sitting there. Once it gets in (OP, length of time? Age of Oil? Intended for 1, 2, 5, 10 years?) - Its still there. How is it going to burn off if its not in an engine?
I used to store in my garage. but now store it in the basement.
Hope this helps.
gathermewool
Site Donor 2025
I don't believe that water vapor in the air would ever accumulate to the point where it would even slightly degrade the oil. The DP due to the contracted oil-in-sealed-container and atmosphere is too little and the quantity of oil too low to provide that kind of driver.
It's more likely that any moisture would enter via the cap seal as the oil varies in temps. The associated contraction and expansion would cause the oil to compress and expand the pocket of air in the container. This would cause the air to be cycled in and out if the cap leaked, which it probably does. This cycling, if my guess is correct, would cause the oil to oxidize more quickly than an oil container held at a steady temp.
How much it would and how quickly, who knows. It's just an idea. Based on a few UOA we've seen of oil in a low-mileage sump after years of sitting, I'd say it doesn't matter.
It's more likely that any moisture would enter via the cap seal as the oil varies in temps. The associated contraction and expansion would cause the oil to compress and expand the pocket of air in the container. This would cause the air to be cycled in and out if the cap leaked, which it probably does. This cycling, if my guess is correct, would cause the oil to oxidize more quickly than an oil container held at a steady temp.
How much it would and how quickly, who knows. It's just an idea. Based on a few UOA we've seen of oil in a low-mileage sump after years of sitting, I'd say it doesn't matter.
Reason I asked was I just put 3 quarts of 9 year oil Citgo SAE 30 in my boat. It was stored in a cold winter garage for 4 winters, then moved to my basement. (Toped it off with one quart of Pennzoil 15W40.)
Oil was in sealed containers, and looked fine but who knows...
Here is the best info I have found to date.
http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/2007/article_tulsarama.aspx
Oil was in sealed containers, and looked fine but who knows...
Here is the best info I have found to date.
http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/2007/article_tulsarama.aspx
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Reason I asked was I just put 3 quarts of 9 year oil Citgo SAE 30 in my boat. It was stored in a cold winter garage for 4 winters, then moved to my basement. (Toped it off with one quart of Pennzoil 15W40.)
Oil was in sealed containers, and looked fine but who knows...
Here is the best info I have found to date.
http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/2007/article_tulsarama.aspx
Interesting read
Reason I asked was I just put 3 quarts of 9 year oil Citgo SAE 30 in my boat. It was stored in a cold winter garage for 4 winters, then moved to my basement. (Toped it off with one quart of Pennzoil 15W40.)
Oil was in sealed containers, and looked fine but who knows...
Here is the best info I have found to date.
http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/2007/article_tulsarama.aspx
Interesting read
"In the meantime, synthetic motor oils are only recommended for vehicles with mechanically sound engines."
Never heard that one before.
Never heard that one before.
Interesting, Valvoline does not have a shelf life of their products:
"The Valvoline Company does not have a documented shelf life exposure on finished motor oil or ATF. We would expect under optimal conditions that the product would be stable for an extended period of time. We recommend two things: 1) Make sure the rating meets or exceeds your requirements, and 2) Shake the container before use. If the fluid sets, sometimes the additives may settle in the bottom of the container."
"The Valvoline Company does not have a documented shelf life exposure on finished motor oil or ATF. We would expect under optimal conditions that the product would be stable for an extended period of time. We recommend two things: 1) Make sure the rating meets or exceeds your requirements, and 2) Shake the container before use. If the fluid sets, sometimes the additives may settle in the bottom of the container."
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