Shelf life for 2-Stroke OIL

[sturdavj]

Can 2-Stroke Oil have a shelf-life? I bought my oil in bulk, and it has been sitting around for some time (4-5 yrs) as I am getting to the bottom of the jug?..

I have a 1983 DT 50, I mixed the oil/gas at a 50:1 ratio<> with Sea Foam. As I neared the first ? tank it started idling rough. The next time out I topped off the tank & added the (same) oil mix as it continued to run rough, decreasing on performance.

While trolling I spend a great deal of the time running low RPM?s. I plan to De?carb next. Just wondering if old oil can add to carbon build up sooner than new oil. Any suggetions as to what I might look for

 

[BadCompany]

Re: Shelf life for 2-Stroke OIL

I "searched" that same question here a while back.
While there are many links if you search, this is
the one I used:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=186918&highlight=shelf+life+of+oil

 

[sturdavj]

Re: Shelf life for 2-Stroke OIL

Thanks, BadCompany;

I failed it to pick it up on my search. I stayed with the 2-stroke nomenclature

I think I?ll pick up some fresh stuff (oil) just to be on the safe side

 

[James R]

Re: Shelf life for 2-Stroke OIL

When were the carbs cleaned last and do you run stabil in your gas. Sounds like a carb clean is in order and please use stabil or similar in the gas. This will prolong the life of the gas and help keep shelac from forming in the carbs.
Oil shelf life is not an easy one. Depends on oil type and conditions of storage. better to buy in smaller quantities so you always have fresh oil.
Not worth the risk.

 

[rupertmja]

Re: Shelf life for 2-Stroke OIL

Let's see. We get oil out of the ground that's been there for 100 million years. I'm sure and extra five, even if it has been refined, won't do much harm to it.