Visible Virgin Oil Impurities

[viscous]

Recently opened a sealed 15-year-old quart of 5w30 SL conventional motor oil, shook it vigorously, and poured out 3/4 of it. Now, when I tilt the bottle and look inside, with light shining through the translucent plastic, I can see a bit of very fine "grit" on the bottom, that moves slightly as the oil flows over it. What is this and why is it there?

 

[viscous]

Of course, I shook it before opening it, contrary to the sequence described above, ha ha.

 

[MolaKule]

They are not impurities, just a few additive components agglomerating over the years.

Warm it up in the sunshine and then shake.

 

[pbm]

I would think that it's 'additive fallout'. I have often used oil that was that old in my older vehicles and when I find the 'additive fallout'.....I stir it up by cutting the container for access and using a little oil to mix it up.....I then add it to the engine.....I've gotten very good used oil analysis using this method.

 

[MolaKule]

I would think that it's 'additive fallout'. I have often used oil that was that old in my older vehicles and when I find the 'additive fallout'.....I stir it up by cutting the container for access and using a little oil to mix it up.....I then add it to the engine.....I've gotten very good used oil analysis using this method.

Additive fallout is a misnomer. It's just some additive components agglomerating to a size you can actually see.


Agglomerates are particulate materials consisting of large particles formed by the joining or binding together of primary particles whose original identity can still be visible in the final agglomerate form.

The term can refer to:

• Cluster of primary particles held together by weak physical interactions
• Cluster of molecules or particles that results from agglomeration
• Scrambled auto-assembly of otherwise isolated single molecules or particles
• Cluster of primary particles interconnected by chemical bonds

Agglomerate is also known as flocculate, aggregation, coagulation and coalescence.

 

[Gene K]

Don't sweat it. As stated it's not impurities. Just something that happens when oil is left sitting in a bottle long enough.

I don't know that I would use 15+ year old oil unless it had been stored in a temperate environment. It last almost indefinitely with proper storage but how well it stands up to decades of 100F temperature swings might be better asked of MolaKule.

 

[blufeb95]

If you're gonna use all of it in one go, I'd think it'd remix well inside the engine, otherwise I guess you could use a paint shaker.

 

[viscous]

I don't know that I would use 15+ year old oil unless it had been stored in a temperate environment.

Funny you should mention that. This oil has NOT been stored in a temperate environment, and has definitely experienced temperature swings greater than 100F annually, ever since it was purchased. If not in a vehicle, would it perform alright in OPE?

 

[Linctex]

The oil is perfectly fine to run in any engine that needs oil that meets or exceeds API "SL"

 

[Gene K]

Funny you should mention that. This oil has NOT been stored in a temperate environment, and has definitely experienced temperature swings greater than 100F annually, ever since it was purchased. If not in a vehicle, would it perform alright in OPE?

I know ii is better if it's stored in a temperate environment. How long is reasonable with large temperature swings I don't know. It can certainly last 5 years in a crankcase so 15 years might be reasonable sealed and stored where it's subject to large temp swings. I just would like some confirmation that it's a none issue before I used it.

 

[Gene K]

The oil is perfectly fine to run in any engine that needs oil that meets or exceeds API "SL"

Linctex do you have any info on the maximum storage of oil under large temp swings? I know that it's indefinite with temp control but that has always been a provision.

 

[Linctex]

Linctex do you have any info on the maximum storage of oil under large temp swings? I know that it's indefinite with temp control but that has always been a provision.

I don't know for sure, but I SERIOUSLY doubt "ambient temps" are enough of a temp swing to alter any modern engine oil's molecularity AT ALL!

Extreme cold (below 100*F) and Extreme hot (Over 300*F) are the only temps you really need to be concerned about.
Anything else is an "Old Wive's Tale" with no basis on scientific facts.

I have one old Farmall 1941 "H" that has had the same Cenex 15w40 (CD/CE - SF/SG???) oil in the sump for close to 20 years now, I think.
It gets started twice a year, and gets worked at least a good hour each time. The oil still looks great. I might change it next year.

 

[Gene K]

Acceptable Storage Conditions = -20C (-4F) to 45C (113F)

Ideal Storage Conditions = 0C (32F) - 25C (77F).

Source - Chevron Lubricants

I'm not really sure how much acceptable degrades the lifespan vs ideal or how much occasional exposure to conditions outside those ranges shorten lifespan.

As I stated earlier MolaKule would likely be the one to ask.

 

[Linctex]

I would agree that the packaging is far more susceptible to any degradation, than of any concern for the actual oil itself

 

[viscous]

I would agree that the packaging is far more susceptible to any degradation, than of any concern for the actual oil itself

The outside of the bottle was a bit oily, as if a bit had seeped through the plastic. I wonder if any plastic gets incorporated into the oil.