Would you use 7 1/2 year old VR1 Racing Oil? | FerrariChat
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Would you use 7 1/2 year old VR1 Racing Oil?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Scottc, Mar 25, 2019.

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  1. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
    #1 Scottc, Mar 25, 2019
    I just found a case I bought 7 1/2 years ago. I went to the website and Valvoline basically says the products have an unlimited shelf life. The only recommendation is to shake it in case the additives have settled . As far as I am concerned if manufacturer tells me product doesn't expire, it probably doesn't Anybody have any thoughts?

    Scott

    '79 308
     
  2. 308 milano

    308 milano F1 Veteran

    Jan 15, 2007
    5,294
    Montana
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    Kim
    #2 308 milano, Mar 25, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2019
    Oil is like a nice wine. Let it set another seven years and then use it!
     
    19633500GT likes this.
  3. doug_porsche

    doug_porsche Karting

    Dec 6, 2009
    147
    Trying 2 find myself
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #3 doug_porsche, Mar 25, 2019
    You bet.
    In the Lawn mower
    In the Moped
    Top off oil in Daily Driver.
    In the 308, you probably would be ok, but why risk it.
    I am a cheap SOB but.... Would you really be willing to bet 75.00 (the approximate price of 9 Qts of New valvoline vr1 20w-50) that it wont blow up your $20K ish Ferrari motor?
     
  4. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2012
    3,324
    Tallahassee, FL
    #4 thorn, Mar 25, 2019
    Mobil advises 5 yrs max. And if anything has separated within the oil that would require shaking, it should definitely be discarded.
     
    Rosey likes this.
  5. kcabpilot

    kcabpilot Formula 3

    Apr 17, 2014
    1,597
    California SF bay area
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    Paul
    #5 kcabpilot, Mar 25, 2019
    “shake it in case the additives have settled” LoL, that’s a good one :D
     
  6. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
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    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #6 miketuason, Mar 26, 2019
    We have been using oil that’s been sitting under ground for millions of years. :)
     
  7. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2010
    8,002
    around Modena, Italy
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    Alberto Mantovani
    #7 Albert-LP, Mar 26, 2019
    closed case = no oxigen = no oxidation = (probably) still good

    Excellent for the lawn mover of wife's car… ;)

    ciao
     
  8. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,228
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    Tommy
    #8 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Mar 26, 2019
    Trying to save money?
     
  9. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
    #9 Scottc, Mar 26, 2019
    As far as saving money just figured if its still good why waste it? Its been stored in my basement and Valvoline says it doesn't have an expiration date but I figured I would ask anyway...

    Does motor oil expire? If not, how long does motor oil generally last?

    Valvoline motor oils do not have documented expiration dates. When stored under optimal conditions, the product remains stable for an extended period of time. It can be used as long as the American Petroleum Institute (API) rating on the label continues to meet or exceed the requirements listed in your car’s owner's manual. If the rating is still current, we advise you shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.
     
  10. redline76

    redline76 Formula Junior

    Feb 26, 2008
    355
    Venice, CA
    Full Name:
    Warren V
    #10 redline76, Mar 26, 2019
    You probably shouldn't use VR1 in your 308 regardless. Yes it has ZDDP additives which are great but it'll also kill your catalytic converter- it states specifically that it's a racing oil and not meant for use in pollution-controlled street vehicles.
     
  11. teabagger2

    teabagger2 Rookie

    Jul 12, 2005
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    Scott Coverley
    #11 teabagger2, Mar 26, 2019
    dinoart likes this.
  12. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
    #12 Scottc, Mar 26, 2019
    Probably just makes sense to toss it and buy a new case...
     
  13. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,252
    Black Forest Germany
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    Martin N.
    #13 Martin308GTB, Mar 26, 2019
    As long as I can't find any serious, scientifically proved facts about oil shelf-life, but just marketing blah-blah from the manufacturers, I will use my oil as long as there is enough in my 60 ltr. barrel.
    Meaningful, that Valvoline states an unlimited shelf life, Shell or Agip 'talks' about 5 years, and Total even recommends tossing their stuff after 2 years.

    After five years I take a sample and look, whether it's discoloured, or shows any sedimentations. Never noticed anything like this.
    And therefore I will now use my last 7 years old 10ltrs. of my 60 ltr. Agip Sint barrel for my next oil change.
    I cannot dump it into my wife's car, like Alberto suggested, since this is a much more modern engine which needs a much more modern and expensive 0W-30 synthetic oil.

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     

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