Mixing Engine Oils?????

[Ralph]

After clearing out my garage I found a couple of ½ full tins of engine oil. Mixed together I will have enough for an oil change.

They are from different manufactures but are both 10w40 synthetic.

They’ve been sat in the garage for probably 10-15 years but I wouldn’t have thought oil has a shelf life, as it’s already several million years old?

I will run it through a filtered funnel to pick up any contamination from the tins.

Would you use it or loose it?

I don’t mind buying new oil. I just hate waste even though the local tip will recycle it.

Happy New Year for tomorrow everyone!

[nomad]

personally i would bin it and use fresh oil

[AIRWOLF]

In theory, I would think mixing different manufacturers should be OK. Even after 10/15 years stood in a tin.

But it certainly would'nt get used in any of my bike's.!

[The Pheasant]

As the saying goes, 'oil is cheap, engines are expensive'...

In theory, oils of the same specification from different manufacturers can be mixed without problems. Have a look at the spec code, which will be SG, SF or so on. Also check whether you are intending to mix mineral, part-synthetic or fully-synthetic oils.

Then go down to the council dump and mix them with what's in the big oil bund waiting to be burned. Or put them on your chain...

[Austin]

I just googled engine oil shelf life - this is what Mobil have to say: Question: Shelf Life of Unopened Mobil 1 Quarts Does Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil (in an unopened quart) have any sort of shelf life, like conventional motor oil? -- John Lantz, Littleton, CO Answer: ExxonMobil recommends a five year maximum shelf-life for engine oils, including Mobil 1. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...helf_Life.aspx

[piguglyshandydrinker]

If you feel the need to run it through a filtered funnel, then don't put it in your engine!!!

Personally I wouldn't chance it anyway - use it as chain lube etc or at best as an engine flush!

Phil

[YEN_POWELL]

Sounds perfect for putting into your scottoiler or directly on to the chain.

[StumpyFingers]

Sounds perfect for putting into your scottoiler or directly on to the chain.

You beat me to it, I was just going to post the same i.e. mix them together then use them in the scottoiler. I used to use oil for cleaning protecting the Chrome in winter. Wipe the Chrome down with an oily rag,leaving a thin film on the surface, helps protect against the salt.

[Ralph]

Sounds perfect for putting into your scottoiler or directly on to the chain.

Of course, why didn’t I think of using it in the Scottoiler? I bough one at the dirt bike show but haven’t fitted it yet.

Cheers for all the advice. You’re absolutely right, the bike deserves brand new oil.

[jasonbc]

i personally wouldnt put it in my engines for 2 reasons one it's dirty as your considering filtering it and two it synthetic. Synthetic oil was developed synthetically to last the life if the engine it was designed to run in, id rather use frequent oil changes of cheaper semi synth oil. by all means stick it in your scottoiler use to lube your cables etc