civicson234

Hello everyone! I purchased some diff fluid in hopes of swapping it out back in May. Well, long story short, i eneded up getting deployed and never managed to get my fluid swapped. My question is, is it ok to use the stuff that has now been sitting in my garage for the past 6 months? Or should i just buy a new quart? I dont remember if i opened it or not... Thanks in advance!

2007 Zx-10

I have a case of four year old Amsoil sitting on a shelf in my garage, so I have you beat

there's no reason it should significantly degrade in a sealed bottle, unless we're talking about decades

INDYMAC

Gear oil additives will tend to separate while sitting in the bottle (so does engine oil, ATF and MTF). If you store any oil for any period of time, you should turn bottles upside down periodically so the additives don't settle to the bottom of the bottle. Before using the oils you should shake the bottle for awhile (almost like paint). The oil is still good to use, you just want to make sure that all the additives make it into the equipment you plan to lubricate. Also, try to use an installation applicator that doesn't include a screening process. Here's a link that discusses that scenario:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbth...rue#Post1232342

Mike in Atlanta

At a minimum, I would turn the bottles upside down a day or so before the fluid change.

slipstream444

Amsoil states their gear and engine oil products have a 5 year shelf life (you can tell the year of manufacture by the product batch number). One important note: Do not shake oil vigorously and then use it. You want to minimize the aeration of the oil. Gently rock the oil back and forth for a couple minutes. Turning it upside down is a good idea as well.
Most manufacturers advertise a 3-5 year shelf life for their oils.

ahrmike

^yeah and go figure..i bet if you picked up our gear oil from walmart or some (non auto) store, and maybe even some auto store...its gonna be dusty. years of dust of just sitting there!

civicson234

Thanks again everyone!