AMSOIL 15W-40 HD Diesel and Marine Oil shelf life

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Bought a 55G drum of AMSOIL 15W40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine oil in 2008. Used about half but then sold my diesel. Oil has been in my basement which is pretty constant temperature and humidity since then.

A friend wants to buy it, but is concerned that it may not be any good. I have no clue.

Does oil go bad? I looked into the drum and the oil looks good, no rust on inside of the drum.
 
Let's see - oil is in the ground for 200 odd million years. In the refinery tanks for a few months. At the distributor for maybe a few months. In the back of the shop until used up - maybe years. Never seen properly stored oil go bad, and I have seen 25 year old oil.

The big bug-a-boo is cold and direct sunlight. You have neither to worry about, so good to go
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: alleghenyrose
Originally Posted By: CT8
I would call Amsoil rather than get an opinion..


I sent them an email but have not heard from them yet.


Got a response from AMSOIL, and here is what they say about the shelf life.


"When properly stored in unopened containers, the shelf life of the oil is 5 years. Please review the attached Bulletin.

Thank you for contacting us. If you have further comments or concerns, please contact us again."

Byron Selbrede
Technical Services

AMSOIL INC.
ADDRESS: 1 AMSOIL Center, Superior, WI 54880
E-MAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 715-392-7101
FAX: 715-399-6531
Here is the TSB they sent in also:

TSB: OT-2005-11-21
Date: 11/21/2005
Page 1 of 2
Subject: Lubricant Shelf Life and Proper Storage
Technical Service Bulletin
Product Description: All AMSOIL Products
Submitted By: DW/DY Approved By: Alan Amatuzio Approval Date: 12/22/05
Distribution: ___Internal X All
OBJECTIVE:
To provide information to AMSOIL Dealers and customers regarding the shelf life of AMSOIL
products. Proper storage and handling of AMSOIL products is also discussed.
ISSUES:
The range of shelf life of lubricants recommended from one manufacture to another can vary from one
year to almost infinity. There is no straightforward and meaningful method to determine the shelf life
of lubricants. One simple reason is that storage environments greatly affect the shelf life of lubricants.
Not all lubricants are stored under identical or ideal conditions.
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
Several factors can influence the shelf life of lubricants:
Product Design:
Chemistries and additives - some formulation chemistries and certain additives are more aggressive
than others. The nature of the chemistry can affect the shelf life of lubricants.
Storage Temperature:
Both high heat (greater than 100ºF) and extreme cold (lower than 0ºF) can affect lubricant stability.
Decreasing the storage temperature can cause sediment formation and additive separation.
The ideal storage temperature should be between 45ºF and 80ºF.
Water:
Water can react with additives in the lubricants to form insoluble materials and shorten the shelf
life. Water can also promote microbial growth in the lubricants. Water could get into the container
through improper handling or condensation. Water condensation can occur when the
storage temperatures fluctuate over a wide temperature range.
Contamination:
Elements such as iron and copper in the oil can catalyze the lubricant oxidation process and
shorten its shelf life. These elements can be introduced to the lubricant by improper handling,
storage and use of equipment.
Frequent Agitation:
Frequent agitation of an open lubricant container can incorporate air into the oil. Oxygen
can react with lubricants and affect their viscosity and consistency. Agitation also serves
to emulsify water into oil and increases the rate of lubricant degradation.
Light:
In some cases, light may impact the color and appearance of the lubricants.
AMSOIL INC., AMSOIL Bldg., Superior, WI 54880 (715) 392-7101 © Copyright 2003
TSB: OT-2005-11-21
Date: 11/21/2005
Page 2 of 2
Subject: Lubricant Shelf Life and Proper Storage
Technical Service Bulletin
Product Description: All AMSOIL Products
Submitted By: DW/DY Approved By: Alan Amatuzio Approval Date: 12/22/05
Distribution: ___Internal X All
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The optimum storage environment:
1. Store lubricants in a cool, clean, and dry indoor area.
2. The ideal storage temperature is between 45ºF and 80ºF and at a temperature that does
not fluctuate significantly.
3. When storing drums or other large containers outside for extended periods of time, ensure
that no dust or moisture from enters the container.
4. Grease containers should be stored right side up due to bleeding (fluid separation). Bleeding
commonly occurs with grease and is more prominent at higher temperatures.
5. Wipe off the tops and edges of containers before opening to avoid any contamination
from improper handling.
6. Always use clean tools. Common signs of improper storage or contamination
of a lubricant may include:
• Layering within the fluid
• Formation of solid particles
• Color change or hazy appearance
If any of the above conditions exist, the lubricant may have become contaminated or its shelf life
may have been exceeded. In any case it is advised to dispose of the product properly. In some instances
a lubricant can be tested to determine its serviceability. If the product’s test results fall
within the original specifications, it should be suitable for use. The user should also validate the
product’s performance claims against the equipment manufacturer’s current specifications. Equipment
design and specification changes over time can make the old product obsolete for new equipment.
ESTIMATED AMSOIL PRODUCT SHELF LIFE
Generally, under the ideal storage conditions discussed in the RECOMMENDATIONS section, the
estimated product shelf life for AMSOIL lubricants can be very long with five years being a guideline.
Care should be exercised when using lubricants that have been stored for a long time. Lubricants can be
tested in the laboratory to assure their integrity. The lubricants need to be carefully evaluated
against their listed chemical and physical properties to ensure there are no irreversible changes in the
lubricants. For grease products, physical evaluation of the grease to ensure no excessive bleeding and
proper consistency is a good practice.
This information is intended to be used as a general
guideline. It is not a binding performance measurement
or contract for AMSOIL products.
AMSOIL INC., AMSOIL Bldg., Superior, WI 54880 (715) 392-7101 © Copyright 2003
 
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
a simple VOA check will assuage your concerns.
Assuage sure is a fancy word Dave.
 
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