Does Engine Oil 'Go Off'?

[WarChild007]

Hiya, Just had a clear out in the garage and found an opened 5L (got 4.5L in it) bottle of Fuchs Titan Race Pro F 5W 40 oil.
It can only be 3yrs old at the most, does anything happen to oil over time (i.e. separate etc) or would it be fine to use still?

Thanks!

Edited by WarChild007 on Monday 27th August 18:37

[HustleRussell]

In the absence of more informed contributors, I'd say you've got nothing to worry about. I'd certainly use it unless it has been kept in particularly cold conditions.

[ian_uk1975]

I seem to recall 3 years being the accepted figure for engine oil shelf life? That's the figure I generally adhere to.

[Pickled Piper]

It has an almost indefinite shelf life. It goes off in a car as it gets the by products of combustion mixed in with it.

pp

[vjj]

it is also Hygroscopic - which means it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere

[Drop Test b3nxj]

vjj said:

it is also Hygroscopic - which means it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere

are you not thinking of brake fluid?

[HustleRussell]

^ That was my thinking. Even if engine oil did absorb water, it's not going to be in there long once it gets to 110 celcius plus.

[KM666]

Motor oil absorbs air IIRC and does some form of oxidation. If its sealed and never been opened maybe ok?

Not sure if air absorbancy differs between mineral and synthetic.

Source: Something an ex Mercedes mechanic who was my mechanics tutor once told me to do with why used engine oil is black, it related to the exposure to air and heating/cooling.

Edited by KM666 on Saturday 27th October 23:59

[longshot]

An Opie Oils fella told me not to worry when I asked a similar question.
He said that oil should be fine upto about 5 years.