Does Premix go Bad?

[Clarkbug]

Ok, so sorry for starting another oil thread... Also, first post here, but was over on AS for a long time, mostly as a lurker since Im pretty amateur when it comes for running saws.

Question is that if anyone has any thoughts/experience on premix going bad if not used? The reason Im asking is that I might be able to get what seems like a decent deal on a gallon of oil, but I dont typically go through more than maybe 5 gallons of fuel a year between my saws and trimmers.

If I have the jug closed up and only crack it open when I need to mix a new batch, any issues with keeping it around for a few years?

 

[huskyhank]

It will be fine for years.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

You’re talking about the gallon jug of just oil? That will be fine for a long time as stated.

 

[Clarkbug]

Yup, talking about a gallon of the mix oil. Appreciate the responses! I didnt know if there was some funky oxidation or something that could happen that might impact performance a few years down the line.

 

[Gullet]

Shake it good to mix well before each use.

 

[USMC615]

Truth be known, that gallon of mix oil has a longer shelf-life than you have...just shake it good each time before mixing.

 

[whitesnake]

Hmm, yeah this question made me wonder as well. I have a box full of pints and quarts of belray and yamalube that are prob 15-20 years old. They are unopened of course. Kinda forgot I had them until I saw the box recently and wondered what was in it. Free oil!! Maybe I’ll crack one open.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Think about how long that oil was in the ground, did it go “bad” before being extracted? As long as it is tightly sealed you will be fine.

 

[Clarkbug]

My thought was that underground or when sealed up it's fine, but didn't know if having it open would eventually create a problem if I'm only mixing a few gallons a year up. Overthinking, I'm sure, but c'mon, this is an oil thread!

 

[fearofpavement]

I have this magical mix oil I use and it doesn't go bad. My special recipe is to buy any discounted, estate sale, yard sale bottles of 2 stroke oil. I pour them into a large jug and keep using it. Over the years the ratio of different brands and types changes but I wind up using "everyone's" favorite oil brand. I mix it 32:1 and use it in every 2 stroke or 4 mix tool I have and have never had an engine failure. Seeing I'm an old geezer, it must work.

 

[SimonHS]

I have this magical mix oil I use and it doesn't go bad. My special recipe is to buy any discounted, estate sale, yard sale bottles of 2 stroke oil. I pour them into a large jug and keep using it. Over the years the ratio of different brands and types changes but I wind up using "everyone's" favorite oil brand. I mix it 32:1 and use it in every 2 stroke or 4 mix tool I have and have never had an engine failure. Seeing I'm an old geezer, it must work.

This is the best statement about two stroke oil that I have read in a long time.

 

[KingCobra98]

I been using old premix in my craftsman weedeater... Still working. I been trying to find an excuse with the old lady to buy a Husky or Stihl, but the thing wont die while using old premix...

 

[Guido Salvage]

I literally bought cases of Stihl Ultra from a guy who cleaned out an Ace Hardware that was closing. At $4 for a six pack of 1 gallon bottles, $6 for a six pack of 2.5 gallon bottles and $8 for a 6 pack of 5 gallon bottles I took it all. That was at least 8 years ago and I still have boxes left. No problem running it so far.

 

[fearofpavement]

I literally bought cases of Stihl Ultra from a guy who cleaned out an Ace Hardware that was closing. At $4 for a six pack of 1 gallon bottles, $6 for a six pack of 2.5 gallon bottles and $8 for a 6 pack of 5 gallon bottles I took it all. That was at least 8 years ago and I still have boxes left. No problem running it so far.

Guess they can throw the remaining amount on your funeral pyre someday. I probably have enough to outlast me. (a few gallons at least).

 

[Guido Salvage]

Guess they can throw the remaining amount on your funeral pyre someday. I probably have enough to outlast me. (a few gallons at least).

Years ago a local lumber/hardware chain (Hechinger) bit the dust. I stopped by to bargain shop and found gallon jugs of bar oil discounted to $1.00 each. I literally filled a shopping cart with every one they had, took me 5 or 6 years to use it all up.