old oil question

Josh_SLR

Josh_SLR

Insurance Broker
is it safe to ride a bike that has 2 year old oil in it. The oil has less that 300 miles on it, its clean and was never run hot. Does this need to be changed or is it still good? If its bad what is the difference in this and oil that has been sitting on the shelf for the same amount of time?
 
BlueScholar

BlueScholar

Veteran Lurker
I'd swap it. To my understanding, the oil breaks down and its lubricating properties are compromised over the long run. Also, for the small price of a diy oil change, the peace of mind is well worth it IMO.

I wouldn't want two year old shelf oil in my bike either but my immediate guess would be that the shelf oil hasn't been opened and exposed to the elements yet.

That being said, it probably won't kill it to go for a cruise. I just like having fresh oil is all...

Edit: to speaka your language, oil change is about the cheapest insurance you can get!
 
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bcv_west

bcv_west

Well-known member
The oil doesn't really break down. But if the bike's been sitting for 2 years, and there's any chance it sat in the rain, I'd change it. I've drained chocolate milk (oil+water slurry) out of a few bikes that were sitting awhile. Also gives you a chance to look for metal in the oil and baseline for the next oil change.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
A TBN tester will tell you if the oil has gone bad from sitting. I think they're inexpensive. Might be simpler to just change it.
 
jh2586

jh2586

Well-known member
Doesn't oil go bad after a certain amount of time regargardless if it was used or not? I could be wrong.
 
fast4ward

fast4ward

Tired and Emotional
It's already a few million years old when you bought it, I doubt a couple on the shelf or standing in the engine will make much difference :afm199 :twofinger

















(JK - I know, I know - synthetic. Get over yourself.)
 
crick

crick

Doodler
fast4ward said:
It's already a few million years old when you bought it, I doubt a couple on the shelf or standing in the engine will make much difference :afm199 :twofinger
Click to expand...


i said that about cheese but NOPE!

cheaper to change it and peace of mind.
 
B

Bootworks

Well-known member
Say you don't change it, save the $40 and take your chances. Now ride it hard for the next 5,000 miles. Would you worry about it? Will you be wondering: "what's the worst thing that may happen?"

You can provably answer your own question.

Oil changes are as much for your engine as they are for your own head and peace of mind. For my sled, the best is barely good enough.
 
louemc

louemc

Well-known member
Josh_SLR said:
is it safe to ride a bike that has 2 year old oil in it. The oil has less that 300 miles on it, its clean and was never run hot. Does this need to be changed or is it still good? If its bad what is the difference in this and oil that has been sitting on the shelf for the same amount of time?
Click to expand...


You have already done some damage... Oil when used, forms acids that attack metals (like bearings).

Don't compound your shabby ass maintenance, by using your lack of knowing.
Change the freakin oil.
 
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Josh_SLR

Josh_SLR

Insurance Broker
Thanks guys. I had to move a bike with the oil in it that's why I was wondering. Didn't ride it hard and oil will be changed tomorrow.
 
russ69

russ69

Backside Slider
"ExxonMobil recommends a five-year maximum shelf life for engine oils, including Mobil 1™ synthetic motor oil."

"Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oils with PurePlus™ Technology can have a shelf-life of up to four years if stored properly and it is not necessary to shake the motor oil bottle before dispensing."

"Generally, if stored in a dry, moderately stable area with regard to temperature, then oil can last a long time. However, additives can settle out after a period and so recommended best practice in industry is for a maximum shelf life of 12 months."
 
afm199

afm199

Well-known member
Guys being ridic. 15k mile oil is sold by Mobil and it certainly does not get changed yearly.
 
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