Question for the lubemaster or other oil specialist, shelf life of syn oil?

scottmandue · 04-13-2006, 03:10 PM

I was changing the oil in my Hyundai and made the mistake of not checking the oil filter gasket. As in when you remove the old oil filter make sure the old gasket doesn't stick to the block... so I get a few blocks from my house and I see a cloud coming out the back. I whip around and get back to the house and pop the hood to see oil splattered all over everything. So I mop up, remove filter and old filter gasket, install new filter, the only oil I had handy was some Castrol syntec that is probably five or six years old.

Now I'm thinking synthetic oil last forever but just thought I would check.

Thanks,
Scott

chibone_914 · 04-13-2006, 03:15 PM

So far, there isn't a "shelf life" for synthetic oil. As long as you keep it in a cool, dry place should last indefinitely. You're lucky you made it a few blocks!

RickM · RickM's Garage

One Million Years!!!

BTW, I agree with Chibone.

M.D. Holloway · 04-13-2006, 04:48 PM

True, the oil will last awhile fer sure, synthetic even longer. But that is not you major concern. Back in 2004, the API had passed the SM specification, up until it was SJ & SL oil specification classification which superseded previous specs.

These specs take into account viscosity, foaming, Phosphorus, homogeneity and miscibility, volatility, sludge formation just to mention a few. Every few years the specs change and get tighter according to several different factors. New engines really have to have the latest oil technology. Will it mess you up if it doesn't have it in it? Most likely not. I think you are safe.

scottmandue · 04-13-2006, 04:56 PM

Thanks Mike,

I have gone from Mobil 1 to Syntec and now back to Mobil 1 so I will probably drain this stuff in a few weeks. It's killing me with the cost of synthetic oil though!

M.D. Holloway · 04-13-2006, 05:02 PM

PM me the weight and your shipping address. I'll send you some stuff that will last 3X longer than Mobil 1.

tabascobobcat · tabascobobcat's Garage

Mike's stuff rocks !!!
I have it in 3 vehicles right now.

sewell94 · 04-13-2006, 10:48 PM

Lubemaster,
I have some u need to test, i can't remember what the hell i put in my 94 ranger but its got over 100K miles on it, last time i changed the oil in my ranger was april or may of 99, yes 1999

I did have to add a quart about a year or so ago

M.D. Holloway · 04-14-2006, 08:15 PM

If you send a sample to me I can get it tested for wear metals, viscosity, fuel/water/antifreeze and an oxidation profile.