synthetic oil question

A number of things could have happened
They may not have changed the oil at all
They may have changed the oil but not allowed it to fully drain beforehand. even a small amount of old oil will discolour the new oil.
They may have changed the oil but not the filter.
If I were you i would establish exactly what has or has not been done.

 

I was wondering...does the oil decompose or break-down with age? I have 6 quarts on Mobil-1 from 2002 and was wondering if they were still useable. Dr Haas...are you here?

KevFla

 

Additive wise it's better than what they are making now. See this: http://www.lnengineering.com/oil.html As long as the containers are sealed there is no problem. Lubricants used by industry or the military get stored for years. The only concern is with contamination.

 

Are you saying they oil they made 5 years ago is better then the oil
they make today?

 

Yes, that is what is being said. The additives from several years ago are viewed by some to be better than the oil made today.

I don't know, but do know that proper oil changes with the proper viscosity is important for engine life. I use lower multi weight oil than my book states, because I want the oil to flow better for cold starts. Also, don't run the engine at high rpm until the oil and engine are warmed to operating temp.

 

When the oil is drained the only oil that leaves the system is what is in the sump. If the car has an oil cooler for example old oil remains inside the cooler and the hoses. You change the oil and check the dipstick: Oil looks clean and clear. As soon as you start the car and circulate the oil the old oil and new oil intermix. Oil looks dirty now.

Change the oil on any car and check it after a day or two of driving. It always looks dirty.

 

Ultimate oil site:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/