EXPIRED: When Does New Oil Go Bad?

If you are like me, you probably have a several bottles of "new" oil in your garage, but they have probably been there for a while. Like a gallon of milk in your refrigerator, does a bottle of motor oil have an expiration date? Unfortunately, I've never seen a "use by" date on a bottle of oil, so how can you know if your "new" oil has gone "bad"?
In this video, I'll show you two simple ways to test your un-used oil at home to see it is still safe to use.
Here are the links to the products I used to do the tests.
Glass Beaker: amzn.to/3O3LYMJ
Frother: amzn.to/4bcsL5B
For more from the Motor Oil Geek, check out • Motor Oil & Lubrication
For more about used oil analysis, check out www.speediagnostix.com
For more about my Dad, check out this great video from @Stapleton42 • Lake Speed Shows Us Hi...
Who is the @themotoroilgeek ? I'm a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I've maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. I also own and operate SPEEDiagnostix, which provides used oil analysis.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases That just means that I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you choose to purchase that product from Amazon.com. It is a way to help support the work of The Motor Oil Geek.
#motoroil #syntheticoil

[@themotoroilgeek]

Does shaking the bottle of OLD oil "fix" it? Here are the lab results that reveal the answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@iamram16mustari67]

The first question to be answered is whether or not falling out of suspension degrades the ingredients. Once answered, your answer is obvious.

[@99RT10]

Yes, yes it does.

[@koolxxxyear]

For racing, every bit counts. Engines suffer more damage from heavy load, city driving & heavy throttle usage. Best to use what factory called for, in the religion where one drives. Old oil is still far better than low oil level or 15,000 mile oil change.

[@scotcoon1186]

Admit it, you just wanted to make some extra funnels.

[@spikekavalench]

Excellent information, thanks!

[@im-that-guy-pal]

You are very lucky to reach your age and still have your father around. Let him know how much you appreciate him before you can't anymore.

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

He's not that old

[@gtileo]

That feels like more of an insult than it's meant to be. If his dad is in his 80s I'd be surprised, mid 70s if I'd have to guess. And his health is in check, given that he was a race car driver, he was probably always in good shape and didn't treat his body like crap

[@johnfranklin5277]

Some men have children when they are older. My Dad was 43 when I was born. Mom was 39. Mom passed at 87, and Dad passed at 97, I was 54. Lucky they lived long lives or I could have lost them in my 40s.

[@thatman4752]

My dad died when I was 15 years old. That single day event shaped my entire life.

[@user-en1lv7cv3j]

To be honest I'm actually interested to see the old oils lab test to see how good they still are or not good for anything at all

[@themotoroilgeek]

Noted!

[@marc-oliviercabot3380]

So do i!

[@ihavethedocuments2580]

Good video

[@ronswanson8563]

Does it matter if they're foaming etc... anyways?

[@oneninerniner3427]

So you weren't listening when he said you don't want air bubbles in your oil, huh? ​@@ronswanson8563

[@papaal7014]

Additive fall out in new oil too. Shake the bottles. PF say.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Shaking is not a bad idea for new oils.

[@hesato]

Why not for old oils?

[@ALMX5DP]

@@hesatoI think for the purposes of inspecting, it might be better to check it as-is such as mentioned looking into the bottom of the container to see if there’s been some type of sludge or separation down there.

[@jonsworld5307]

yep invalid test he didnt shake them new oil out of store have that much in bottom if not Shaked

[@themotoroilgeek]

​@@hesato As stated below, if the oil is old and you are going to check for separation, don't shake it. Good oils should not separate in short term storage.

[@thromboid]

That photo of your dad on the track ahead of Senna is GOLD!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

Wait, YOUR dad beat Ayrton Senna? The thumbnail needs an update.

[@deanpondoc8382]

Gold!

[@drumermp]

Agreed. Amazing!

[@hilltop1972]

Please have Sr tell that story

[@guywilliam6065]

Retired from 40+ years in the oil industry including many years manufacturing PCMO's and other lubricants. We had display cases with motor oil going back to the 50's. I often wondered what the oil in them would look like. Buy when price is good and rotate your stock. Not so much due to aging oil but more because the technology improves every couple of years. I recall the scramble to meet API-SH and the introduction of ILSAC back in the early 90's, a real game changer. Keep up the great content!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@markgamble8377]

Im old remember when switched to detergent

[@brijohnson6660]

what was the deal with old quaker state oil solidifying? I remember seeing that as a kid but no one cared and some thought it made it better. (I always preferred valvoline but they are independent so you probably hated them?)

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@brijohnson6660 I’m all good with Valvoline. The solidification of the old Quaker State was due to the paraffin content. There are pros and cons to the paraffin base oils.

[@dyer2cycle]

..oil technology improved until they started taking the zinc out..:(

[@mellsterr6192]

I hate to admit it, I’ve used oil over 10 yrs old many times. I have bulk oil from my semis, 15W40, and run it in everything I own! The date on the drums are 10152003 and 01152010!

[@bobirving6052]

Some people will look at the date on food and throw out if expired. “EXP date” is not reality. Spoilage is the real issue. The date is a guess or has different agendas.

[@JimBronson]

I bought 29 jugs of Chevron/Havoline Pro Deposit Sheild in 2017, still have 10+. We don't put big miles on our cars and I change it out every 5K.

[@dieselsoggydog6299]

I've run 10+ year old 15W40 bulk oil in my diesels. Sent off samples after changing the oil, and always come back fine.

[@ssu7653]

@@bobirving6052 The date is not "agenda" it is how long it is expected to last. Like with warranty, if 1% if the product is defect after X year and 10% after X+2 it will likely have a warranty (exp date) of X or X+1 years. Nothing state that your product or how you store it will make it go bad at that date, its just nobody will put up the money to guarantee it any longer than that

[@dhickman4570]

Had a 87 Nissan PU ran a mixture of 10W30 3qts 10W40 1qt had 375,000 miles when I sold it. Oil and Nissan filter every 3500-4000 miles, adjusted valves every 50,000 miles

[@migueldelaguardia]

Finally someone on line actually putting out facts not fiction.Thank you Lake for this public service.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@edrannou3914]

Most important channel for car guys ever. Everyone doing internal combustion engines needs to know this stuff. I'm 70 and I wish this info was available 55 years ago. Keep up the good work.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you!

[@DF-tz3ix]

I too am 70 this year and wish I knew this long ago.

[@williamgould2855]

add me to that list also

[@jimandnancymcoil]

Did you know that Walmart gets their SuperTech from Mobil / Morgan.or Warren oil, depending on your part of the USA? I believe the Mobil Superteck has a Blue M at the bottom of label, front or back? And I think they have a bigger Blue cap? I never thought I would ever say this; SuperTech tests very well for everyday cars, can't be;ieve I said that? U even bought a 5 qt bottle, for flushing! LOL

[@rsc9520]

​@@DF-tz3ix- Me too !!!

[@mitevm]

Wow, your father's story made me appreciate your channel 10 times more. Real petrol head. Awesome!

[@themotoroilgeek]

thanks

[@CharlotteCaniac]

I could watch this channel all day long. This guy needs his own tv show.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@fhe3220]

f tv, this is better...

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@fhe3220 LOL, Thanks!

[@carlovanrijk4039]

@@themotoroilgeekyeah Lake, just keep doing what you’re doing! 😃👍🏼

[@carlovanrijk4039]

@@themotoroilgeekreally loved the feature where you did the break-in oil change on your daughter’s Corolla! 👍🏼

[@davidhomen4528]

I love learning how much you have to offer. I watched your dad a lot back in the day.

[@themotoroilgeek]

I appreciate that!

[@Duchydog]

Well done Lake and thank you. Great to see your Dad again too. He looks terrific and HNY to you all.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@yellow73914]

If the oil is in a sealed container, then in theory all the additives should still be there too. I'd be curious if there's a difference between old oil that just sat there, and old oil that was vigorously mixed/shaken. Granted, chemical reactions in the oil can't be undone by shaking it, but I think it'd be neat to see the effect shaking the oil would have on its "badness."

[@smoadia85]

i was taught that the additives would coalesce and settle at the bottom. In an industrial setting, recommendation was to roll the drum and settle it on it's side and change position regularly. This are for oils sitting for more than 5 years.

[@themotoroilgeek]

In storage stability testing, any visible separation or haze is a fail.

[@orionschroeder9401]

@@themotoroilgeekI buy Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 and if I don’t shake up the 5L bottle, there’s always blackish looking residue at the bottom. These jugs are usually production dated 4-6 months before I purchase them.

[@20sportsman]

​@@orionschroeder9401 I use Ultra and have noticed the exact same thing. I try to limit my purchases so as I don’t have much more than a year or so, (never exceeding two) stored. I always purchase the 5 qt jugs, and when I think of it, I also give them a shake once in awhile and return to the shelf.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I'm pretty sure that at least one manufacturer put out a technical bulletin recommending you shake the motor oil before pouring. I don't know if new additives or synthetic base stocks just aren't as good at dissolving the additives.

[@oby-1607]

Thank you for this. When changing oil, I have always poured a little oil out, replaced the cap and shook the rest of the bottle before pouring it into the engine or trans or rear end. If I can, also drain the container as long as possible to get the most oil out of the container.

[@brijohnson6660]

honestly, I just store the case on its side or top at the house, so settling occurs where it will go in the motor. If its a jug I should invert it a couple days before, but I seldom use a jug.

[@georgedavall9449]

Aint that special

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@user-yx8bk6zo9x]

First time watching, the topic jumped out to me. Finding out who your Dad is, and seeing Lake, made my day. Blast from the past. Hope he is doing great.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you!

[@williamcharles9480]

Thanks for the tests and info. I remember when your dad was active on the NASCAR circuit. I didn't realize who you were until I saw your dad. I'm glad to see he's doing well. I'm impressed with your testing. The age factor was never addressed back in the day. It appears that the oil manufacturers really need to supply the manufacture date on the containers. Thanks again, Lake Jr.

[@metalillness5951]

Thank you , it's always good to listen to a professional! It was GREAT to see your dad again also!!!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bpmutoob]

Another excellent, informative video! Very cool bonus having your dad appear in the video.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you!

[@mikefisc9989]

I am new to your channel and I have learned so much over the last few weeks from watching your content. What a pleasure it was to see your Dad in this video with you.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@b1lyb]

Great video. What I liked best was seeing the rapport between you and your father. And the yellow sticker on the door entering the shop was the best. JS.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-xd7zr5zy8k]

Worked for Valvoline as a chemist and then worked at the research center of Union Oil of California (later to become Unocal). A lot depends on the blend/additive package and storage conditions. Just opened some 40 year Valvoline I had kept from when I worked for them A quart of Valvoline 30wt looks fine. A 50wt Racing had some minor residue. Pennzoil 30wt was my go to for old engines that consumed oil as it had better viscosifiers. Depending on your application, most old oils may be fine to use. Like in a lawnmower or older car you don't car much about.

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@jrh1175]

great video < thanks for sharing your expertise yet again! definitely would love to see the oil sample composition of the older racing oils!

[@themotoroilgeek]

You got it!

[@G17-911]

Thanks Lake, always enjoy the chance to learn something new from you. Take care.

[@EdAb]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video!!! I've been searching this information for two years!! I even phoned Amsoil, to get advice on how to check old oil... they wouldn't give it, or at least the customer service person/expert didn't know how to. Thank you LS2nd!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ricksanchez4825]

I can't get enough of this of this stuff this kind of testing answers so many questions for us car guy's.One question that I have is when you take used oil to recycler and it's all mixed together different weights and conventional with synthetic what are you really buying next time around,Please shed some light on this it's concerning.Thanks and keep up the great video's.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for watching. The re-refinery separates all the different components by their distillation temperatures. It's actually a really cool process.

[@koolxxxyear]

I used to work at feet service, We only used recycled oil on almost all engines like generators, winches, hydraulic pumps and regular gas engines in pickup & vans. Up to veh 2005. I don’t know what’s in recycled oil but they did just fine.

[@georgegastellum8351]

You brought a tear to my eye when you opened the can of Mobil 1.

[@themotoroilgeek]

That was super cool. I was genuinely excited about it.

[@stevensilz-carson1793]

Just like all salt (NaCl) is, in fact, “sea salt,” all oil is “old oil.” How old? About 95% of the petroleum we pump out of the earth was formed in the range of 65 to 250 MILLION years ago. But the question here has to do with the shelf-life of bottled automotive engine oil, none of which is stamped with a “use by” date like milk. With respect only to motor oil that has been factory sealed in its original container, the fact that certain additives like molybdenum disulfide (a friction inhibitor), detergents and viscosity improvers, may have settled out of suspension over time is largely immaterial because once your engine has run long enough to warm up, and the oil has been churned through your oil pump hundreds of times, the additive package will have become reintegrated with the petroleum “base,” and function just fine - - in an engine that was initially designed to use that particular grade (i.e. “SH, or SJ) and weight (viscosity) of oil. The real risk in using very old oil, is not that the oil has “spoiled” like milk, but lies in the fact that over the decades, the design standards established for engine lubricants have been steadily upgraded by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and its European counterparts. For one, the “bases,” which are largely synthetics among the higher quality products, and the “additive packages,” have progressively been improved by petroleum engineers, reflecting the demands of the ever increasing volumetric efficiency of modern internal combustion engines. Secondly, many modern engines specify ever lower oil viscosity ranges, including 0W-16, a very “thin” oil compared to the “straight 30 weight” likely specified for use in the antiquated engine in your air-cooled lawn mower, thinner yet than the 20W-50 “racing oils” we older gear-heads put into the crankcases of our 1960-something muscle cars. The reasons for the newer low viscosity motors oils are is twofold: Due to vastly more accurate design and machining of the moving metal parts in a modern engine (much “tighter” tolerances), a lower viscosity oil can provide adequate mechanical cushioning, which is part of an oil’s function. Secondly, by definition, viscosity is “resistance to flow.” Thus, “thinner” lubricants produce less drag on moving parts. Obviously, the lower the friction (drag), more of the torque produced by the engine is used to make the car move. Put another way, you are burning less fuel to frictional losses, instead of causing your car to go. Hence, we are seeing ever higher MPG ratings and often more horsepower from the same size (or even smaller) engines than 10 or 20 years ago, and generally way more than 50 or 60 years ago. So, to summarize, it’s quite unlikely that motor oil still sealed from the factory 40 years ago has “gone bad,” it’s very likely that it’s hardly ideal to use in anything more modern than your lawnmower or snowblower.

[@charlesdalton985]

Same reaction here. I wanted to reach into the screen, pop two holes with a flat blade screw driver, and pour. Just to make sure I haven't lost my touch. ~ Chuck

[@georgedavall9449]

Wow, how sad

[@CadgerChristmasLightShow]

​@@stevensilz-carson1793 so what i am gathering from your wise words is that the 5 quart sealed jug of full synthetic 10w-30 i bought 4 years ago for my 90's mini truck is still good to use with it. I dont think i would attempt to put 20+ year old oil in anything i really care about lol

[@motomuso]

Thank you for getting to the point directly, right off the bat. So many KZbinrs go on and on before answering the question in the thumbnail. That said, the rest of the video was entertaining and instructive as well. New subscriber here.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Many thanks!

[@SpeedWaves1]

Here's another reason why everyone should change their manual transmission oil as well, even though the manufacturers say in their user manual that it's never necessary. Thanks for another great video!

[@deezullram726]

I bought a Roadtrek camper van that sat for a long time and had 12 year old engine oil with only 900 miles on it, in the sump. I drove it home 1900 miles, changed the oil and had it analyzed. Report came back absolutely perfect. Blackstone said usage, not time is most important with modern engine oils.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Consider yourself lucky.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

I was given a bunch of 'new' oil from the late '80's to early '90's from my cousin's uncle's estate they wanted to get rid of. Not great oil to begin with, Quaker State, some others and a couple 5 qt Kmart 'Motorvator' 10-40w jugs. I could tell it was old, looked darker than normal. I used it up in an old beater 318 car I have and changed at around 3000mi. Didn't have any problems. I wouldn't have used it or felt comfortable putting it in something I actually cared about. Oil is ridiculous right now. At these prices I'll use it up in my 'old' equipment. None of my stuff is extended drain anyway.

[@bobirving6052]

@vincemajestyk9497 Will you try to “stir the pot” to get those additives mixed back in?

[@vincemajestyk9497]

@@bobirving6052 I would say that it would not hurt since, after all they are in 'suspension' rather than dissolved, so they aren't going to 'go away'. However with the anti-foam agents, they are not time stabilized so in 'old oil' once they're gone they're gone. However I've done this before, if you have a lot of new 'old oil' to use up you could try using a fortifier like STP or one of the others to somewhat rejuninate the oil. The 'red' bottle (4cyl) is the thinnest and would impact the viscosity the least. It would be interesting to see a test of old oil and then old oil plus STP or Lucas or one of the other boosters and see how much it brings back into the oil. Some of those 'climbing additives' cause MORE foaming. BTW, those additives in the package aren't just 'stirred in' in mfrg. There's a thermochemical process used that you really can't replicate. I would try some oil booster.

[@LA_Commander]

I would have changed the oil and filter before taking a long trip like that, just to be safe

[@walterbright1396]

Great information. In 1999, I found Mobil-1 for $0.97 quart in Santa Fe. I bought all of it, all grades. I found it again in Kansas and NJ a few days later. In all, over 400 quarts. I still have some of it, mainly 15w-50. I called Mobil and they said it would be safe to use until it was 10 years old but did not recommend using it after that. I no longer use it in autos even though I have two that in theory it meets the requirements of their engines. I noted it has seemed to turn dark in color which worried me. I only use it in lawn mowers and they seem to have thrived on it with near zero consumption. I did nothing special to store it. Keeping some of it in the basement and some in the garage.

[@bobirving6052]

@walterbright1396 Too bad I can’t buy it From you and use it!

[@themotoroilgeek]

thanks for sharing

[@jeffrobodine8579]

Vintage cans of oil will sell to collectors for a premium.

[@JG-kv4oi]

Don't feel bad, I still have some cases of NAPA oil around from the 80's. Made by Ashland oil Co as my memory serves.

[@rickbrown7067]

Lake, Great job, I have used a bottle/church key to open thousand cans of Mobil jet oil. To this day they still come in those silver cans.. love to see your voa on those oils. Good to see your dad, he’s looking great.. take care..

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you

[@428eliminator3]

Great information, especially for us older guys that have oil sitting around. 👍👍

[@dac7046]

Interesting and valuable- thanks. I operate high performance air cooled engines (in aircraft) and I’ve never understood why engines that have literally no time on previous oil change the manufacturers still require multiple oil changes each year.

[@Bill-wz6tw]

I absolutely love the Speed family for sharing their knowledge Thank you so much

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for watching!

[@claybirdyshaw5737]

I found a gallon bottle of 5 year old Mobil 1 Extended Performance in my garage a while back. I used it my Trailblazer which takes 7 quarts mixed with a new oil. It didn't blow up or cause any noticeable problems. It definitely wasn't stored correctly and was exposed to freezing temperatures. I tried to find information on it before I used it, but couldn't find much. I wish this video would have been around then. Great information!

[@teebosaurusyou2-un2nz]

You and your father are awesome. What an amazing life you both have had and continue to have!

[@vics945]

Love your channel and followed your Dad back in the day!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jeffgriffith7003]

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen additives drop out of new oils after I emptied the containers into my engine and looked into the bottom of the plastic container. If I think about it, I try to shake the jugs of oil before I open them up to help get the dropped out particles suspended again.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesg8246]

Yeah even if it's new, I always at least do several flips of the jug to make sure any settled additives end up in suspension right before pouring in and make their way into the crankcase, oil pump will re-blend it, no need to toss it. I mean if it's years old...yeah...I wouldn't use it.

[@sezwo5774]

Same here. A tiny amount of greyish green dust noted on bottom of newish Castrol bottle of mineral oil. Probably some molybdenum. White color bottle made in easy to notice. If it were black it would be impossible to see.

[@markme4]

Store your oil upside down ?

[@evanhandelong7685]

​@@markme4then they would just drop out into the cap. Shaking is the only way

[@patndave4919]

I used to like helping my Dad. But he sold a lot more than he worked on. Thanks for introducing us to your Father. That looked like ya'll were have almost as much fun as building a go kart. I have been a full syn guy for years, even use it in the mower.

[@orbnitsky]

I am SUCH a geek-nerd! I am learning so much and YOU do a great job of maintaining this certified ADD guy's interest. Great voice inflection and emphasis! Now to look for what is more likely for me, to appreciate what happens to oil in different gae gasoline engines and the nature of degradation. Thanks for some GRETA work and teaching!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joeythedime1838]

My dad still has Arco Graphite Oil from the 70's. He shakes the cans on a paint shaker and runs it in his 1962 Ariens snow blower. Kind of crazy but that snow blower still runs great.

[@davevan8864]

Good to see you Dad!!! My Dad was the Valvoline Racing rep 1960 to 1970.....so I am bias!!! thanks

[@themotoroilgeek]

Right on!

[@brucesyvertsen2147]

This is one of the most interesting channels I have come across in years!

[@bobgreene2892]

We like your close and thorough analyses, and are newly-subscribed.

[@RooftopKorean-gc4ig]

I’ve had Pennzoil Ultra Platinum jugs that were just a few months old have obvious additive separation that looked like sediment. I shook up the jugs before use and my car didn’t explode.

[@themotoroilgeek]

That was probably the borate ester, which can separate quite easily. Your engine mixed it back together.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@themotoroilgeek Whatever separates out of the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum jugs doesn't seem to mix back into the oil very well, I've shaken them very well before use and still had crap at the bottom of the bottle. That issue has been going on with Pennzoil synthetics since at least around 2011 and I've heard it has been solved recently, but I can't verify because I haven't used it in years.

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@averyalexander2303 Thanks for the feedback. The GTL base oil has low solvency (just like a PAO). The separation issues seem to confirm my suspicion that the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum uses a borate ester. These tend to have separation problems, and they won't blend back in easily.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@themotoroilgeek Makes sense, that's why I don't use it anymore. Not saying it's a bad product, but it seems like permanently losing its additives even during brief storage is a pretty major flaw and I'd expect better from Shell as one of the largest oil suppliers in the world. Also, in my application, it didn't do a very good job at keeping my rebuilt engine clean after about 50K miles even though the oil was changed about every 4K miles and almost all those miles were highway, not short trips or in traffic. Again, not saying it's a bad product, it just didn't work very well in my application, so I'm using a different brand now.

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@averyalexander2303 thanks for sharing

[@tonyInPA]

I’m one of many volunteers working to get USS NEW JERSEY ( Iowa class battleship) to drydock in the next few months. One of our tasks is reactivating the anchor/windlass system to allow us to leave the pier. Oil in this system is a minimum of 32 years old, and the original plan was to fully flush and refill lubricating and hydraulic oils. But when I sent samples out for analysis, they still came back as good, with a recommendation to filter the hydraulic oil as the solids were slightly high. This isn’t a surprise since that system only has a strainer screen (think 1930s tech) and the sample was taken from a low point of a 70 gallon system that has been resting for 20+ years. In this case we will be filtering and adding a decent amount new. And the use of a mil spec oil here is one case where spending a bit more gets benefits…not totally unlike racin’!

[@smoadia85]

how about the water content? 32 years of condensation should've come out with a relatively substantial % volume?

[@DonziGT230]

After 30+ years on a boat I'd be checking for water in that oil.

[@CG-zh1td]

I follow BB62's youtube channel. I would love to be able do that type of volunteer work aboard her. You're very fortunate to be able to do that. Looking forward to seeing the dry docking. Have fun!

[@LTVoyager]

Yes, I remember oil cans well and I still in many ways prefer them. They are much less likely to tip over. And I used to have the drain spouts that punctured the can, but also had a cap on so you could reseal a partial can for later use.

[@Druze_Tito]

Oxidation level test is a must. Can't wait to watch the next episode.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Absolutely, Thanks for watching!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@jabomiles6947]

Great video, and a wonderful bonus to see Lake. I watched him back in the day on Nascar tracks.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billymanilli]

Hey, thanks for doing this stuff, man! REALLY appreciated! 👍 edit: I'll pass on the "smell-o-vision" for the gear oil... thanks! lol That reminds me now of when I worked as BMW tech, when I was young...there was a soap dispenser on the wall of the locker room/bathroom that was empty for at least a month... so I decided to go back into my cabinet, and fill the dispenser with some 90wt and stick it back on the wall... Hiding around the corner while watching my workmate "lather it up" into his hands, only for the sink faucet water to bead right off was pretty funny. Boy that stuff smells (and it doesn't go away for a WHILE)!

[@drumermp]

Foam test at the end was solid.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks! That was my favorite part as well.

[@eugenet6632]

I do see all the time such black residue on the bottom of pennzoil platinum full synthetic even which are a few months old. Great to see your dad btw

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for watching!

[@kathysarmcandy1992]

Wish I still had the couple bottles of "emergency" oil from a dollar store. No API on it. Yard sale freebie. It was solid like jello. Loved to have you test it.

[@themotoroilgeek]

That would have been great!

[@dylanjones7655]

Definitely send it off for analysis

[@themotoroilgeek]

Will do!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@fredjacobs]

Now your Dad's gonna want you to clean all the old oil out of the garage! Awesome video, keep up the great work!

[@themotoroilgeek]

LOL, Thanks 👍

[@njseashorechas2698]

Wow, Dad looks great! I remember watching him race Nascar in the 80s! Another great video. Thanks!

[@themotoroilgeek]

He's doing awesome, and can still wheel a race car.

[@KK-M5]

Yes please, an oil analysis would be very revealing. Perhaps pouring one of those old bottles after shaking well, to see if that helps at all?

[@themotoroilgeek]

I'll do the oil analysis on a few of those old oils. Shaken vs not is a decent idea. Thanks!

[@unclejoe6811]

Was looking to see someone else ask about shaken, if it is shaken poured into an engine and brought up to temperature would it re mix?

[@n2omike]

@@themotoroilgeek Will want to shake it up really well. Additives that are in SUSPENSION are not dissolved, and WILL settle out over time. Oils that have been in storage NEED to be WELL shaken before adding to an engine.

[@AaronEbright]

@@themotoroilgeek It will be shaken in the motor when you start it.

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@capriracer351]

I have old racing oil around from back in the late 80's to early 90's. I'll have to do this testing when the weather warms up. Being up North and the oil stored in an unheated garage should yield some interesting results.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Right on!

[@gregdcross]

The painter that told your dad a out paint separation when it freezes is correct. Once oil or latex paint freezes, the solids and adhesion promoters fall out of suspension and will never blend back in. That is why paints are kept in warm storage. I have seen paint in unopened cans go 10nyears in temperature control storage and cans that have been frozen just once go bad. Nice to see your dad.

[@robrath31]

Actually gave two critical answers fairly early, THANK YOU! ;) Still watching, and greatly appreciated :)

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@jackflash939]

I use a lot of oil of different types and brands and see additives on the bottom of the bottles all the time in new oil, very easy to see in gold, yellow and silver coloured containers, that’s why you shake the oil

[@themotoroilgeek]

A little shake certainly helps. Which oils do you see the most separation from?

[@maximejette7674]

Good question...I also want to know.

[@bobirving6052]

@jackflash939 Do you remember all or some of the brands that you see separation in the new oil?

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@jeffrobodine8579]

People often neglect servicing the rear differential oil. If vintage oil is that bad in the bottle imagine what it is like in a car that has been sitting for many years, especially "will it run" videos.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Great point! Get it running and then change the oil!

[@e-curb]

I did that test with gear oil. I bought a 74 car that had only 15k miles in 1993. I just started driving it about 4-5 years ago. The first thing I noted was that it was extremely stiff to shift. I didn't think about the age of the gear oil right away, and thought this low mileage gearbox would need a rebuild. Then I got to thinking and I checked the original owner's service history. He had the gear oil changed in 1975, so it was well over 40 years old! I dumped that oil as fast as I could and put new 80W-90 mineral oil in it. Instantly, the shifting effort was reduced to about 1/3 of what it was. It now has Royal Purple 75W-90 syn gear oil and the trans shifts quite good.

[@1notgilty]

Thanks for the tutorial on new and old oil. I've got some motor oil lying around and was wondering if it's still good. Now I know how to check it. Thanks again for the information.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad to help

[@katdaddy469]

I've been waiting for this analysis. Thanks for the video!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Our pleasure!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@paulstan9828]

Never thought about old oil being a problem. Would be interesting to know what settled at the bottom.

[@themotoroilgeek]

We will do the oil analysis on them.

[@nobodynoone2500]

new oils settle too. you have to shake your oil.

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@flashbazbo3932]

I recycled 40 gallons of synthetic before moving last year. Broke my heart. I kept the newest of the old for use as bar oil in my chainsaw.

[@GT-mn3bx]

I use all my used motor oil for my saws. Works fine.

[@RickH428]

Your Dad Raced NASCAR, when NASCAR was cool. Hello Lake Speed, hope things are good for you. I miss watching you race every weekend.

[@3029dz]

Possibly the best video you have done so far. Thank you!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Wow, thanks!

[@roberttowery9664]

Definitely interesting in the lab results. Excellent educational video.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@SootHead]

Would love to see analysis of those oils. Especially to see the oxidation numbers. Also, could you not shake the oil vigorously (paint shaker maybe) to remix the additives?

[@themotoroilgeek]

Great question. There is a blend order when making oil, and that is important to how the oil actually works. The engine will remix the oil, but why it separated in the first place is something to consider. We will do the oil analysis on the old oils.

[@guywihn1658]

@@themotoroilgeek Is it possible that time has more to do with additive separation than anything else with these older oils that haven't seen extreme temperatures? I think without lab testing also there is a lot of conjecture happening here.

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@guywihn1658 Low temperature storage has more influence on additive separation than time. Also, visible separation is a fail in storage stability testing, so there is no conjecture here.

[@smoadia85]

@@themotoroilgeek did you know if any of the oil companies or labs actually did a 10 year experiment like that? Would be interesting to find out if the additives do fall out and settle at the bottom and draw samples from top and bottom to test. edit: bad habit of commenting without watching and realise you've address most of what I said in the beginning.

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@smoadia85 no problem! The standard testing is 30 day cold storage. The longest I’ve ever seen is 90 days cold storage.

[@alexfelder2]

I felt like I was watching a Movie. I love the excitement and passion in his voice. This was awesome. Did not know Amazon made oil.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@chalo212]

What an awesome video, couldnt stop watching. Congrats, from Mexico

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@jamescaron6465]

This is why I love your channel it’s full of great, scientifically proven information you can’t find anywhere else. Fun fact: my wife’s grandmother lived next door to Senna’s grandmother in São Paulo.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Awesome!

[@billroberts9044]

I had some cases of Belray 4 stoke racing oil that separated after about a year. Lucky for me, I remembered you saying something about it years ago. So I checked it. Im glad I did Lake, Thank You.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Wow! I'm glad it helped!

[@tjmeyer3037]

I'm checking out your oil degradation video and how new oils compared to old unused sealed oil will have clues to conditions of each. What about greases? I know the age of some of my greases are 20 plus old. I think there are probably more guys with 20 year old grease than old oil. Thanks for all you do brother. You rock!!

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

As I'm watching this fantastic info.. I consider, 🤔 I'm soo thankful that you don't give us a big sales pitch! Just giving solid unbiased info.. and if people want to get their oil checked out, you provide the contact info. That's totally acceptable. But your not hounding us at every turn with a biased salesperson attitude, and I greatly respect you sooo much more because of THAT. thx lake

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thank you!

[@pughconsulting]

I wouldn't throw out the old oil. I'd probably use it for an engine flush, run it on a shorter interval, or use it in an old 4 cycle engine. I'd be interested in an oil analysis on these to see how much add pack and VI is in them.

[@jeffgriffith7003]

That’s actually a really great idea.

[@themotoroilgeek]

I'll do the oil analysis on those old oils.

[@pughconsulting]

@@themotoroilgeek Awesome! 👍👍

[@stco2426]

Yes, it can also be used where the chemistry doesn't really matter, such as in workshop tasks such as drilling and quenching or lubricating hedge trimmers and the like, but those boxes of bottles would last several lifetimes!

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@stco2426 Great point! I meant to mention that in the video as an alternative use. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@FutureSystem738]

I’ve often seen deposits in brand new oil that I’ve just bought. I’d LOVE to see how these old oils test in a lab.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Will do!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@FutureSystem738]

@@themotoroilgeek Thanks. That was a very interesting result. I might need to send a few old oil containers off for recycling.

[@johndooley8837]

Good video, thanks. You must have had an interesting/fun youth. Many years ago when I complained about oil separating an oil company engineer told me to shake the container before using and it would be fine. Old or new, I always shake an oil container before using. If the container is too full to shake properly, take some out, shake it vigorously and mix it with what you took out.

[@WisdomVendor1]

Somewhere around the 3rd or 4th time you told the shop building / racing /engine building story my eyes started to glaze over.

[@4speed3pedals]

That can is probably had value. I do not see many cans anymore. I have one that is an Esso Uniflo but the can is cardboard, not steel. Steel can were easy to open with the push in spout. Cardboard cans would sometimes collapse when installing the spout. Messy as you are not prepared for such a thing to happen.

[@rameylewis7730]

Thanks for the tips. I'm guessing the oils you tested were all kept at room temperatures the past few years. I don't know if varying temperatures would matter or not. I've got old oil in containers that has been sitting in my shop which goes from 90 in the summer to negative 40 in the winter. I'll try your test on them.

[@themotoroilgeek]

These old oils were not kept at room temperature. The shop temperature varies a lot.

[@rameylewis7730]

@@themotoroilgeek Nice analysis. Thank you for making the video.

[@Rtau-kg9ot]

I used 35 year old Castro GTX 10w-30, mixed in with leftover Penzoil in my 2004 Volvo. Drove 2000 miles to Florida and the oil level was at the bottom of the dipstick. I topped off with 2 quarts Supertech synthetic, and after driving back, the level has been steady.

[@user-ux8sp8cm2d]

Great video! As a technologist, I am always interested in watching your videos.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Cool, thanks!

[@WhiteOak09]

I can confirm the paint and freezing

[@minibikesandmowers]

Id like the see the analysis of the old oils. Also would it make a difference if you shook the bottles of old oil before opening them? Would it mix some of the additives back into the oil

[@jurpikag]

I just was about to ask the same. As a habit I always just give a shake to my oil before pouring. Does that do anything?

[@themotoroilgeek]

Great question. There is a blend order when making oil, and that is important to how the oil actually works. The engine will remix the oil, but why it separated in the first place is something to consider.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Shaking the bottle can help.

[@jinxtacy]

@@themotoroilgeek Would heat help as well to establish the emulsifier or is the blend oil the end all be all? Also when we see sediment at the bottom of Pennzoil Platinum Ultra would that realistically be a concern? Oil seems to be an exercise of variables consistently in motion so finding an opinion at any particular point is not super useful as it has to be holistic. I guess that's why we have engineers who understand specifications and try to track the curves and match them up to operation. Oil just seems especially cumbersome to navigate for a non-engineer and imagine it could even be challenging for a lot of types of engineers.

[@themotoroilgeek]

@@jinxtacy Great question and observation! Oil is very complex and there are several variables. With that said, in storage stability testing any visible separation is a fail.

[@williampetsch1244]

That was eye opening. Thanks for a great subject and test

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@motorcoachtech7615]

Thanks for posting this. Always informative.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks!

[@lindafoxwood78]

I love oil! Your are the 'God-Father' of OiL in my book. Keep making Knowledge! :)

[@themotoroilgeek]

Wow, thank you!

[@DaveBenson]

I think we're all eyeballing a case of old oil right now in our basement or shop... I am still using some 8 year old diesel 5w40 that I got for a steal, have to check them!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Right on!

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

wow........... 70 YO backyard mechanic and I learned a couple things from this vid. Thanks Sir!

[@marcasswellbmd6922]

I have Syncro shift II sitting in my shed right now in the freezing cold, Now I'm about to go bring it back in the house. I bought it 2 months ago and It's been out there, I was planning on doing my MT82 Trans when I hit 15K or Right before the summer. It's always a good Idea to keep all your fluid's and especially Gear and motor oil new and clean... I have a mint 2017 Mustang GT I am trying to over Maintenance to Keep her mint..

[@nq2847]

Your dad competed with Senna and beat him during a race 😮 now that’s a story to tell your kids for generations.

[@ALMX5DP]

Seriously, that’s a hell of a story to just briefly mention in 2 seconds of this video. I wanna hear more about that.

[@darksu6947]

Lake Speed was a damn good driver. He just didn't have the best luck when it came to the teams he drove for.

[@MrJeepfreak1972]

Id definitely like to see oil sample testing of the old oils. Can the oils be shaken up to remix the additives back in? Like in a paint shaker.

[@MrJeepfreak1972]

Or, can regular shaking to new oil keep separation at bay?

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

Isn’t that the Slippery, Million Dollar Question though? (Will shaking the oil bottle mix everything back in enough to pour into the engine, where further constant mixing will be happening as you drive???) like does that even work???

[@MrJeepfreak1972]

@@I_know_what_im_talking_about I'm thinking your wheels are turning on how to find out. 👍

[@themotoroilgeek]

Great question. There is a blend order when making oil, and that is important to how the oil actually works. The engine will remix the oil, but why it separated in the first place is something to consider. We will do the oil analysis on the old oils.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@themotoroilgeek Good to know, but what does that mean in practice? Assuming the oil wasn't discolored or cloudy and someone did successfully manage to mix the additives back into the oil, would the oil then be safe to use? Or are you saying that the additives separating is as a result of some type of degradation and it will just separate again?

[@werquantum]

Forgive me all, if I’m late to the party, but I had no idea our host is Lake Speed’s son. Fantastic!!! What a fun video this is. I love the little ride through history replete with annotated photos. My favorite oil video ever!

[@themotoroilgeek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Stephen06GT]

This was a very informative video. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@garybender6031]

There is a local fire department That burns used oil For their heat You might want to check with fire departments To see if they need For their heat

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

Curious to see the oil analysis of the 40 year old Mobil One.

[@themotoroilgeek]

Noted!

[@themotoroilgeek]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5axfYmLmdR1i5I

[@zanenelson8564]

I have been preaching that oil expires for a long time now. In my small town, nobody believes this. Everyone from the guys who work at local shops to parts stores to my friends think oil does not go bad. Thanks so much for your video. At least I know I'm correct.