Triumphrat

al1

Hi, just taken delivery of oil purchased from ebay, ready to tackle my first oil and filter change.
Date printed on oil container is 07/2010.
Is this date of production or best before date?
I understand from previous threads that oil deteriorates over time, hence oil change recomended every 12 months, regardless of mileage, but does it deteriorate in sealed container?
I assume oil will be ok to use?
Thanks.

norton828

From the Valvoline web site

looks like no problem at all in using that oil!




Does motor oil expire? How long does motor oil generally last?
Valvoline motor oil does not have a documented expiration date. Under optimal conditions, the product is stable for an extended period of time and can be used as long as the American Petroleum Institute (API) rating on the label continues to meet or exceed the requirements listed in your owner's manual. If the rating is still current, shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.


Does motor oil ever wear out or does it just get dirty?
Motor oil breaks down with mileage and time - the oil additives weaken as the engine oil is used. Dirt can be a factor as well. Changing motor oil on a regular basis will eliminate these factors.

Junipero

Hell, oil has been in the ground anywhere from 6,000 to millions of years. It ain't going to go bad.

__________________
"The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my employer's position or opinion."

bonza

haha, true

motor oil in a sealed container will last indefinate. the date on the container would be the manufature date.

once oil is in an engine it can deteriorate due to atmospheric temperature fluctuations causing moiture ingress and condensation causing a build up of acids and remants from the previous oil

__________________
2007 B&W T100.
AI & Snorkel gone, Dom Tourers, 40/120/1 shim 3 turns, TTP stage one, Dart screen, Pingel fuel valve, Monza gas cap, Avon Roadriders, Triumph fabric saddle bags sometimes

thebiglad

Oil deteriorates over time WHEN IN USE. Also oil collects contaminents over time WHEN IN USE; that's why there is schedule of oil-changes, so you can periodically put in new clean stuff.

The date on the container is the production date and does not go off, in sealed containers - not in this millennia anyway.

It's not like butter.

Dave

__________________
Bonny - '10 Bonneville T100 with saucy Dominator pipes, de-snorkel'd, de-AI'd, UNI air filter; De-O² sensors.

2004 Jaguar S-type V8 4.2

Dan McGrath

It's only within the last year that I've heard of "Expiration Dates" on oil and that was for recip aircraft engines......seems to be a marketing ploy to me. Road and aero.

GDCobra

On the other hand if you are going to drink it or use it as a salad dressing you may want to pass on it!

Dan McGrath

Totally Agree.....

Askari

Taking to the tech dept at Mobil. They work on 5 years.