Use or Throw Away

[rn2fine]

I was cleaning out my garage today and ran across some oil that I forgot I had. It is about 10 quarts of Syntec Blend, 10w30, API service SJ. I believe it is about 3 to 4 years old. Should I use or throw away?

 

[sprintman]

I'm using BP Visco 5000 5W40 SJ. What makes you think you can't use the oil?

 

[Shannow]

Use it in your 70 and 72 vehicles. They were still specced for SE weren't they ?

 

[oilboy123]

I would use it.

 

[rn2fine]

Originally Posted By: sprintman
I'm using BP Visco 5000 5W40 SJ. What makes you think you can't use the oil?


SJ is fine with me. The effects of age on the oil is my only concern. Just curious if any manufacturers have a recommended shelf life for motor oil.

 

[Vilan]

I have used ~20 year old SF oil (mixed with SM for peace of mind) with success.

 

[drive4show]

What, nobody has yet replied with the always hilarious:

"No, do not use it. Please ship to me, and I will dispose of properly."

 

[CharBaby]

NOOOOOO! DON'T USE IT! Please ship it to me and I will dispose of it properly.......There, I did it!

 

[twentynine]

Char Baby, beat me to it.

Nothing wrong with that SJ oil. I have a 4str out board engine that specks 10w30 SJ. I would love to have it.

As far as the effects of age on your motorl oil, in a sealed container I would think it would last a real long long time.

 

[cmhj]

Use it.

 

[VK56VD]

exchange it for some store credit perhaps?

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

The accepted shelf life of oil is 5 years. It should still be safe for use. Give it a good shake incase of some additive dropout occured.

 

[BarkerMan]

Just mix it 50/50 with newer oil if you are nervous about it. If you're really nervous buy the latest version of exactly the same oil. Then if you're still nervous you could mix it oil/new 30/70. And if you're still.....

 

[Cutehumor]

mix with SM oil in 50/50 proportions.

 

[njcruiser]

lawnmower, snowblower, pressure washer, etc, etc,.
using in your vehicle should be fine also. i would go the other route though, and buy new for the vehicle

 

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: ConfederateTyrant
The accepted shelf life of oil is 5 years. It should still be safe for use. Give it a good shake incase of some additive dropout occured.


Five years? Well, gee, some of the SL-rated Mobil and Valvoline at my local K-Mart has a sticker trumpeting a special offer that expires on 2/28/03, so that stuff is old, baby. . . .
.