Old oil.does it 'go bad'

[fishkiller]

I have a "new" gallon of quicksilver tcw3 that was in my brothers sho. he indicated it was about 10 years old but the kicker is the cap was not screwed on it was just loosly sitting on top. is it possible for this oil to "go bad"? I just converted a 85 140hp evinrude vro to pre-mix and don't want to risk an old oil.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

I have had oil go "bad". It was only a small quantity left in a bottle on the shelf for several years. It went all gloopy and would not mix with the gasoline.

No idea what make it was. I use Quicksilver now but this was not.

Try it. If it does not mix properly dont use it. Make sure the mix will run through a filter Ok

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

So the cap wasn't sealed and you have no idea whether it was left open for 10 years or not, or who might have mixed whatever in it. Might only cost a couple grand to see if it's bad. I think I'd spend the $20 for a new jug.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

I think you already knew the answer before you asked the question. When it comes to fuel and oil I say if in doubt throw it out.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

And I'm no chemistry whiz by any stretch, but if I recall everything that is organic has a tendancy to return to its natural state. That is why metals rust, and I would imagine that oil would tend to want to return to crude and thus change the chemistry over time. Just a guess though.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

Would you use 10 year old gas in your motor?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

Would you use 10 year old gas in your motor?

Are you suggesting that lubricating oil deteriorates in the same way that gasoline does?

 

[lindy46]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

No, but they are refined from the same crude, and as mentioned before are organic in nature. My point is, I wouldn't use 10 year old oil in my motor. Would you?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Old oil.does it 'go bad'

If in doubt, throw it out.
Fresh jug is really cheap insurance !!!
My 2 cents.