Engine oil

[MJWB]

I have some new unopened engine oil bottles on board. 15W-40. Bottles date stamped 9/2017. Any views on what the shelf life might be please? Thanks.

 

[Seashoreman]

Probably about a1,000 years depending on storage conditions?
I am not joking.
Awaiting the scientists.............

 

[Momac]

 

[MJWB]

Thanks that's encouraging.

 

[billyfish]

Never understood shelf life on bottled spring water ,, been underground for years . Why would it go off in a bottle

 

[Stingo]

Never understood shelf life on bottled spring water ,, been underground for years . Why would it go off in a bottle

Yep, same goes for my billion something year old Himalayan Rock Salt that has a use by date on the packet! Me thinks they're trying to fool us, Your Honour

 

[billyfish]

Get on

 

[VicS]

Never understood shelf life on bottled spring water ,, been underground for years . Why would it go off in a bottle

Leaching chemicals from plastic bottles.

A few years ago I posted a link to a paper published in one of the scientific journals but cannot begin to find it now.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Anyway------if you dont fancy chancing the oil I will reluctantly agree to take it off your hands and dispose of it responsibly.

 

[vyv_cox]

Probably about a1,000 years depending on storage conditions?
I am not joking.
Awaiting the scientists.............

Modern lubricants may include 25% additives. The distilled hydrocarbon content may not deteriorate in storage, although there may well be some changes due to the formation of asphaltenes. But there will certainly be some interaction between, and degradation of, the additives. The oil may run in the engine but wear will accelerate and it may foam, with negative effects on the bearings.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

It has only just reached its use-by date, and on the basis on which I view such dates on the food that I eat, I would have no hesitation in using it. Manufacturers normally build in a fair proportion of conservatism in setting these dates.

 

[Seashoreman]

Modern lubricants may include 25% additives. The distilled hydrocarbon content may not deteriorate in storage, although there may well be some changes due to the formation of asphaltenes. But there will certainly be some interaction between, and degradation of, the additives. The oil may run in the engine but wear will accelerate and it may foam, with negative effects on the bearings.

vyv, are there many additives in 15/40 oil? I always thought it was basic 'van oil'? Basic natural?
Please elaborate, with respect.

 

[vyv_cox]

vyv, are there many additives in 15/40 oil? I always thought it was basic 'van oil'? Basic natural?
Please elaborate, with respect.

All lubricants contain additives. Cheap oil blenders will buy in a complete package from an additive supplier, major names will use some of their own plus components from commercial suppliers.

At the very least the package will include anti-oxidant, boundary lubricant (for cams and tappets), VI improvers, etc. This link elaborates Types of Lubricant Additives - About Tribology

The lowest additive content oils that I am aware of are machinery oils where combustion is not involved, such as Shell Turbo T. Additives in these oils amount to 2 - 3%, anti oxidant and anti corrosion.