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Old 01-30-2020, 08:23 PM   #1
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Old motor oil?

Are four unopened bottles of Pennzoil motor oilthat have been on a garage shelf for more than 20 years still usable in the RV generator? They're 30W, two 10X30s, and a 10W40.
Is using them a bad idea?
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Old 01-30-2020, 08:28 PM   #2
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No, take them to a oil change place for recycling. Ones here take at no charge since they sale their use oil to a oil recycler.
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Old 01-30-2020, 08:32 PM   #3
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I'm not an oil expert, but I think your generator might need oil with different specs, than the older oil. You should have the required spec in the owners manual, and compare that to what's on the bottles, The new technology oils are far superior. I put my older oil in my oil cans, and use it up that way.
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Old 01-30-2020, 08:32 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thirdktm View Post
Are four unopened bottles of Pennzoil motor oilthat have been on a garage shelf for more than 20 years still usable in the RV generator? They're 30W, two 10X30s, and a 10W40.
Is using them a bad idea?
Right from GOOGLE:

motor oil usually remains stable for an extended period of time. There should not be deposits on the bottom of the container. ... That said, an engine oil's properties are best if it is used within two years.
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Old 01-30-2020, 08:38 PM   #5
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20 years??? Wow! I wouldn't chance it.
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Old 01-30-2020, 08:50 PM   #6
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Email Blackstone Labs for a free sample kit, get it tested then you’ll KNOW verses going by internet opinions...

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/?ses...2dg55%29%29%2F
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Old 01-30-2020, 09:21 PM   #7
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I wouldn't chance using it as engine oil. I would use it up as bar oil for the chainsaw.
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Old 01-31-2020, 06:16 AM   #8
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I have one old can of Pennz the one that you had to shove a spout in.
It's only a garage decoration !

I would only use it for chainsaw bar oil.
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Old 01-31-2020, 06:45 AM   #9
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You could use it once in this genny but probably not in the replacement genny.

It's a chance I wouldn't make to save a few bucks. I'd use it in my neighbor's very loud leaf blower.
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Old 01-31-2020, 07:02 AM   #10
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It's Pennzoil. It was never any good.
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Old 01-31-2020, 09:21 AM   #11
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Probably but oil is so cheap why bother. Take it to an auto parts store where they take used oil.

You don't say what generator but Onan calls for 10W40 diesel in some and 10W40 in others although I ran Amsoil 10W40 diesel in the one that just said 10W40 for 10 years and it is still running fine. But then I don't have anything with an engine that does not have Amsoil in it.
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Old 01-31-2020, 08:20 PM   #12
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Update: The four quarters of Pennzoil; two quarts of oil that was overflow from when Jiffy Lube changed the oil a year ago and overfilled; and another quarter of unidentified oil------------all of it delivered to the aftermarket motorcycle shop I use and that has a receptacle for used oil...
--I'll be changing the RV oil and filter myself in the next day or two....
Thanks for all of your tips and suggestions.
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Old 02-12-2020, 01:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Email Blackstone Labs for a free sample kit, get it tested then you’ll KNOW verses going by internet opinions...

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/?ses...2dg55%29%29%2F

Sample kit is free. Analysis is $28. For what, $8 worth of 20 year old oil?

Spend the $28 on 4 fresh quarts of quality oil.
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Old 02-12-2020, 03:49 PM   #14
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5 years maybe, 20 years I’m not to sure. But it’s worth a science project to test it! Most of these small generators only take about 1.6 qts I wouldn’t Chance it without testing, but that’s my .2 cents ,(I wonder if synthetic holds up longer)
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Old 02-12-2020, 04:51 PM   #15
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Oil will last a millennial. The additives IN the oil are only good for a few years.
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Old 02-12-2020, 05:11 PM   #16
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Sample kit is free. Analysis is $28. For what, $8 worth of 20 year old oil?

Spend the $28 on 4 fresh quarts of quality oil.

I mentioned Blackstone in a an earlier post on this thread. I have used them for years and periodically test the oil from all of my vehicles. I mainly kept track of the diesels that I owned as those I tended to run further between oil changes. Amsoil also has a service for testing if you happen to use their products but I started with Blackstone and have stuck with them.

Most auto parts stores take old/used oil and that is probably where that 20 year old stuff should go. It MIGHT be ok to use but why take the chance?

The Onan calls for 1.6 qts and the 5500 took 2 but it took 30 minutes to get 2 qts into mine. You have to pour very slowly.
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Old 02-12-2020, 05:51 PM   #17
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I agree additive's have vastly improved over the years to include anti-foaming, anti-scuff, detergents etc. Great for oiling hinges etc but not IC engines.
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Old 02-12-2020, 07:48 PM   #18
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Maybe sell it to someone who collects antique oil company products. There are a lot of collectors and some collect the cans and bottles. Maybe just want the containers and you can recycle the oil somewhere.
Base oil will never degrade if sealed. Additives may decay but mostly they are not up to more modern standards.
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Old 02-12-2020, 09:33 PM   #19
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The same as our vehicles, stored oil is subject to condensation. All manufacturers require oil changes annually, regardless of mileage due to this. Read any owners manual for any foreign or domestic vehicle and you should find this to be true.
I am an ASE master certified auto/truck technician by trade (previously).

Here is some information you all may not be aware of in regards to oil. Synthetic oil is not man made. It is still petroleum based, only synthesized to remove the sulfur. Thus the name synthetic, however removal of sulfur extends the useable life and decreases the change internal.
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Old 02-16-2020, 03:30 PM   #20
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Prime example of penny wise and dollar foolish. Recycle the antique dinosaur juice and visit Wally world. Your gen will thank you for it.
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