Outboard Oil Shelf Life

[Downstate Doug]

Anybody got a clue if Outboard oil has a shelf life? I bought my boat last September 01. The tank (approx 3 gallons) was full of oil. I don’t use the boat very often but it is now about ½ full (empty). Should one run the tank about empty and then refill or can I fill er up and not worry about mixing 1 year old oil with new oil?

DD

[Downstate Doug]

Any help on this one???

[Liver and Onions]

The stuff had been underground for a few million years, I wouldn't think a few months on a shelf would change it much.
L & O

[ESOX]

As long as it's in a sealed bottle, and not stored where a partially used bottle will be subject to hitting the dew point a few times a day in cooler weather,(like a shed or garage), I think it would last at least a few years. If in doubt, replace it. Outboards are too expensive to use questionable oil in.

[kroppe]

Doug,

If you mean the fuel tank was 1/2 full for a long time, I would just slosh it around real good and go for it. I wouldn't imagine any problems with the oil either in the plastic bottle or in the gas tank, provided you shook it up (the gas tank) before running the engine.

[Downstate Doug]

Guess I wasn't too specific. Have a 35 gal fuel tank and a 3 gal oil tank. Automix. I was wonder if that oil sitting there for over a year should be changed/replaced if not used for some time. Can I safely add more oil on top?

DD

[ESOX]

Fill the oil tank every time you pull back into the driveway. That way it wont get condensation in it, and you'll be ready to run down to the lake at a moments notice.
If it's half empty now, and you used the oil in the past summer, I wouldn't be too concerned about the oil, just top it off from now on.