Originally Posted By astjp2
The manufacturers say 4 years, most of the additives start to fall out of suspension and cannot be re-added. People have used old oil and have not had problems but sometimes things do go wrong. In aviation, 4 years from both Shell and Phillips, expiration date is on the box. Had a seminar on oils and the shell engineer explained what happens when oils and the additives separated. It may not harm a beater but I would not use old oil in anything of value or something that is hard to replace. I don't have a dog in this fight but that is what the literature says. Tim


I'd be interested in seeing what the "manufacturers say". Can you post a document citation?

I used 50 Aeroshell in the Lycoming O-235 and O-435 I used to own. I don't remember any expiration date on a container. Maybe you have a picture?

To "fall" out of suspension involves gravity. Are the additives particles or are they molecules in solution?

Just curious.

How old is "old"?