Shelf Life -- Lube / Oil / Grease

[Mike1234567]

I was researching the use of Mobil 1 and Castrol Syntec (now "Edge") for gun lube and discovered that the manufacturers recommend a maximum shelf life of 5 years. I'm guessing expiration is probably due to break-down of the additives rather than the base oils.

This got me to thinking about other lubes that also have additives and whether or not they too have expiration dates due to break-down of their "special properties".

Does anyone know?

 

[303tom]

I don`t sell it, I use it & I believe in it. (Lucas Oil)I am a long time machinist/mechanic, all lubricants have a shelf life because your government says so, do they really have a shelf life (Yes & No) Detergents break down.

http://www.lucasoil.com/images/medialibrary/gun_oil.pdf

 

[jeepmor]

Just used a dab of Mobil 1 wheel bearing grease I've had for 5+ years the other day. Looked and felt the same as the day I bought it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

More of a selling ploy than anything.

 

[Sav .250]

I`m more concerned about the "due-date" on milk.

 

[Fleet]

Mostly the shelf life (in the case of grease) is due to oil separating from the thickening agents. Once it starts to separate, it's dead. Over time, the oil in the grease will also oxidize, as will oil in a bottle.

 

[Mike1234567]

I wonder if storage conditions affect the so-called "shelf life", if there is actually such a thing... things such as temperature (and temp fluctuations), humidity, oxidation, etc.

ETA: Heh... I was typing and walked away a few minutes before finishing and in the meantime the previous post gave me some partial answers. Anyway, regarding "oxidation", I knew for certain that organic oils oxidize but I didn't know that petroleum-based oils would. I supposed product in well sealed cans/bottles should be protected from oxidation but after opening then all bets are off, I presume.

 

[Fleet]

Mike1234567, all oils and greases have additives in them...some more than others. And some that are harmful (because they are based on 70 year old tech) in this day and age. A refined oil with no additive package in it won't do much to help you in the very best of conditions.
The one thing to remember about any oil...never, ever put an additive in it (with the exception of something the vehicle mfr. recommends).
1. The oil doesn't need anything extra
2. You don't know what the additive contains or how it will react to the additives already in the oil.
3. They are universally snake oil, good only at making your wallet lighter. Most do nothing at all, some are seriously harmful.

 

[Fleet]

I just did the same thing you did....had to go attend to something.
All oils oxidize, even the synthetics. The bit of air in the bottle gets the process rolling, but it takes a long time with that little bit. Mineral oils will also suffer from evaporation due to the aromatics they contain.
Humidity has an effect, as it boosts the condensation rate. It's more of a problem in the vehicle than in storage. Oil, water and heat leads to acid formation.

 

[Mike1234567]

Hmm... Okay, so if we transfer our lubricants to smaller glass bottles with metal lids filling them to the very top and store them in a cool dry place with limited temperature fluctuation then they'll last far longer than their recommeded expiration date? Maybe even extend the useful life from 5 years to 10, 15, or maybe even 20 years?

 

[CWL]

And here I was thinking that petroleum based oils come out of the ground, after resting down there for 200-400 million years... didn't know sitting in a can for 5 years would make it go bad.

 

[rodregier]

Ballistol makes claims with some factual basis for long shelf life in the original can.

http://www.ballistol.com/product_Lubricant.htm


http://www.ballistol.com/1_Ballistol%202010%20Amazing%20Story%20Flyer%20PROOF3.pdf

In 1985 a bottle with BALLISTOL was found in an attic
where it had been left for over 60 years. The oil had not
hardened and the chemical analysis revealed that it
still had the same degree of purity as freshly produced
BALLISTOL. The oil had become a little darker but not
even the slightest trace of resinification could be
discovered.

 

[Mike1234567]

RE: Ballistol stored 60 years in an attic.

The darkening indicates oxidation at the very least. But "some" oxidation may not matter much.

Does Ballistol have any "additives"?

 

[JoeMal]

It's cheap; if it's starting to look funky, or I have my doubts, I replace it. That goes for my solvents, oil, and grease

 

[Slamfire]

Everything has a shelf life. While I would love to see an analysis of data it is not always supplied.

Unless you are using the lube in an application where lives or safety is at risk (like Alaska Airlines Flight 261 where improper lubrication killed everyone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Airlines_Flight_261) don't get too excited about shelf life.

 

[Mike1234567]

Okay, here's the deal...

I don't think I have all that much time left so all I really care about is my lubes outlasting me. If I must replace my lubes in 5-7 years then I'd like to know now so I can plan for that. If I don't need to worry about it then I'd like to know now.