If you’re like me, you might wonder if anything ever goes bad. Maybe some things do, but not a 2-stoke outboard oil. You might want to hold on to that container for as long as you can. But does 2-stroke outboard oil actually go bad?
2-stroke oil does go bad. A sealed container of the oil lasts up to 5 years. But if opened, you can only get 2 years out of it. It goes further down to 2 months after mixing it with gas.
It’s definitely not the best of news to learn that 2-stroke oil can go bad. However, learning how long it lasts will help you decide on how long to keep it. I’ve provided all of that information in this article and many more. So, let’s get into it!
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Does 2-Stroke Oil Have a Shelf Life?
Yes, 2-stroke oil does have a shelf life. These oils commonly referred to as 2T or two-cycle) are specially-made engine oils for crankcase compression two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines differ from their four-stroke counterparts due to their open crankcase. As such, oil has to be mixed with gasoline for engine lubrication.
Once poured into the crankcase, they create a viscose mix with the gasoline in the vehicle. They help lubricate the crankshaft of the engine, preventing engine failure.
There’re different 2-stroke oil brands out there. On the container of each of these oil brands, you’ll find the shelf life as stated by the manufacturer. Some of the popular brands include Motul, Red Line, Lucas, Yamalube, Husqvarna, and Stihl.
However, you don’t have to always depend on the expiry date on the container to make your judgment. As a general rule, you should not use 2-stroke oil that has been in a sealed container for more than five years.
After five years, the lubrication power of the oil starts to reduce. You don’t want to put your engine at risk because of bad oil. Also, there’s no guarantee that the viscosity of the oil, when mixed with gasoline, will still be maintained. So, it’s better to consider a replacement when the 2-stroke outboard oil in a sealed container is older than five years.
How Long Does 2-Stroke Outboard Oil Last Once Open?
Once the container is opened, the shelf life of 2-stroke outboard oil reduces drastically. Generally, the shelf life for an opened container of two-cycle oil is 2 years. Anything more than that gives you bad oil, with the risk of ruining your engine.
But why does the shelf life more than half after opening? There are a variety of factors and conditions the oil gets exposed to that affects its quality. Such conditions may include rapid changes in temperature, moisture, extreme heat, and water damage. Also, leaving the container open without a lead can severely damage the quality of the 2-stroke outboard oil.
Your 2-cycle engine requires enough lubrication to stay alive. You can only get that with a good-quality 2-stroke oil. However, exposing the lubricant to the conditions stated above can reduce its quality, translating to lowered viscosity and lubrication ability.
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2-Stroke Outboard Fuel Mix – What is the Shelf Life?
2-Stroke outboard oil mixes with gasoline to help keep the engine lubricated. However, with this all-important combination comes a reduced shelf life for the two-cycle oil. Usually, a prepared mix of 2-stroke oil and gasoline has a shelf life of two months.
However, that can even be less depending on the quality of the oil. Low-quality 2-stroke oil will give you a shelf life lower than 2 months once mixed with fuel. On the other hand, high-quality oil might even last longer. The overall longevity is even reduced when the oil container is already opened.
Another important consideration is the type of gasoline in the mix. Gasoline with over 10% alcohol content is likely to attract more moisture compared to gasoline with lesser alcohol content. When your mix attracts more than an ounce of water, the oil and gas are bound to go separate ways. Consequently, the bad mix can spoil your carburetor.
2-Stroke Outboard Oil with the Longest Shelf Life
If you’re looking to get 2-stroke oil for your engine, you should get one with the longest shelf life. There are four different types of 2-cycle oils out there, and the type you choose will determine the shelf life and level of viscosity you get. Before we go into the 2-stroke outboard oil with the longest shelf life, let’s take a look at the different oil types and what you expect to get:
- Castor Oil: These oils give you high levels of viscosity and lubrication, primarily due to their plant-based source.
- Mineral Oil: These oils, also known as petroleum oils, have super-high levels of viscosity. With that comes a high level of smoke, making them less popular in the market these days.
- Synthetic Oil: This is the most common oil type in the market today, offering good levels of viscosity and low smoke emission.
- Semi-Synthetic Oil: These oils are a mix of mineral oils and synthetic oils, giving you the qualities of both oil types.
YAMAHA LUB-2STRK-M1-04 Yamalube 2M Marine 2-Stroke Oil
The Yamalube 2-Stroke Oil is one of the best and long-lasting 2-Stroke oils in the market. It’s synthetic oil that combines the high viscosity of mineral oil and low emissions of synthetic oil to give you a super-quality product. The oil has an outboard industry-approved NMMA TC-W3 formulation.
The oil has a shelf life of over five years if the container remains sealed. On mixing with gasoline, many users report that the quality remains even after four months. That’s incredibly higher than the market average of 2 months. What’s more?
Yamalube 2-stroke oil protects your engine from wear and corrosion, which are often likely in marine environments. Also, it comes with super-quality additives that prevent carbon build-up, helping maintain the efficiency and durability of your engine. It might not be the most affordable option in the market, but you can be assured of getting value for your money.