Two Stroke Oil Shelf Life

[richardbrennan]

I am obviously aware that petrol has a shelf life so have filled up the outboard can with fresh. However, I am wondering whether the two stroke oil also has a shelf life as I have had my present stuff for several years?

 

[RichardS]

As long as it's in a sealed container it will be good for years .... probably decades.

It's not a critical application. I used to use any old oil in my 2 strokes and never had any problems.

Richard

 

[coopec]

As long as it's in a sealed container it will be good for years .... probably decades.

It's not a critical application. I used to use any old oil in my 2 strokes and never had any problems.

Richard

Richard I thought it had an indefinite shelf-life too but I worked for an oil company and I know they used about ten different ingredients to blend up engine motor oil.

When I asked one of the tech guys if it was OK to use 5 year old oil in a tin that hadn't been opened he said not to as it probably was out of suspension. BUT two stroke would be a much more simple oil I would imagine: I don't know.

"Quick Answer.
Motor oils typically have a shelf life of four to five years. There are several factors that can affect the life of oil, such as exposure to extreme heat temperature changes and moisture. It's better to store oil in its sealed container instead of opening it.


This is what an expert has to say about 2stroke oil,

http://www.fuchslubricants.com/previously-asked-questions

 

[RichardS]

"Quick Answer.
Motor oils typically have a shelf life of four to five years. There are several factors that can affect the life of oil, such as exposure to extreme heat temperature changes and moisture. It's better to store oil in its sealed container instead of opening it.

I noticed some synthetic oil the other day with a two year shelf life date on it ....... but it's rubbish. The sales and marketing guys obviously won the argument!

Richard

 

[coopec]

I noticed some synthetic oil the other day with a two year shelf life date on it ....... but it's rubbish. The sales and marketing guys obviously won the argument!

Richard

I guess it depends on how much you value the motor: my poor old lawn mower gets whatever I have on the shelf and it is still going!

 

[pvb]

I noticed some synthetic oil the other day with a two year shelf life date on it ....... but it's rubbish. The sales and marketing guys obviously won the argument!

It's probably an EU directive, the sooner we vote to leave that rotten system the better. Oh...

 

[JumbleDuck]

I have a box full of tins of Esso engine oil which my uncle, when he worked for Esso, gave to my parents. That's at least thirty years ago, possibly forty. I am hoping to clean up big time in the concours accessory world.

 

[alahol2]

Most (non-synthetic) oil has been stored for several million years before getting into the can, so a couple more won't hurt.

 

[aquaplane]

Most (non-synthetic) oil has been stored for several million years before getting into the can, so a couple more won't hurt.

Yer but when it came out of the earth it was a black shitty mix of all sorts. When it's been separated into its useful components and re-blended to make a specific product it's not the same.

Considering 2 stroke oil is relatively high boilers it probably won't change over time, human time, not geological time. Petrol has lighter components which will disappear at normal temperatures in porous containers, that may be where you are getting your fears from. ( Edit, at op not alahol who obviously isn't concerned but he is right in what he said).