The 2 stroke oil is a type of motor that is particularly designed for use on 2 stroke engines, which are still used in various types of vehicles that use engine crankcase compression, such as scooters, mopeds, small on and off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles, small ATVs, go-karts, and more!
The oil is then mixed up with gas to produce a fuel mix to power up a variety of motors. But does 2 stroke oil go bad? Just like any type of oil, 2 stroke oil does go bad!
However, various aspects and conditions might increase or decrease its lifespan. Read on, if you want to find out more about 2 stroke oil’s durability and lifespan.
The Shelf Life of 2 Stroke Oil
This type of oil is quite thick and can resist going bad for quite some time. However, it’s not entirely immune to going bad.
As previously mentioned, 2 stroke oil is subjected to going bad mainly by the process of oxidation or bacterial and fungal contamination to a lesser extent.
For these reasons, it’s common for 2 stroke oil manufacturers to pack the oil in an air-tight container to protect it from exposure to oxygen and other contaminants.
While it may vary from one manufacturer to another, you can store an unopened container of 2 stroke oil on your shelf for up to 5 years.
Make sure that you read the label on the container and find the use by or expiration date before storing, as you might have purchased a container that has been already on shelves for a few months or years.
How Long Can 2 Stroke Oil Last After Being Opened?
For the most part, a sealed container of 2 stroke oil will have some form of vacuum or nitrogen-rich air inside to keep the oil lasting for as long as possible.
However, once you open the cap, a fresh batch of oxygenated air is introduced into the container, which significantly cuts down the shelf life of 2 stroke oil.
After opening a recently manufactured container of 2 stroke oil for the first time, you should expect it to last for up to 2 to 3 years at best.
In the event of mixing the 2 stroke oil with gas or other petroleum derivatives, the lifespan is shortened even more. In that case, you have to use the fuel mix in less than 2 to 3 months only.
What Kind of Elements Can Affect the Lifespan of 2 Stroke Oil
In the majority of cases, air, and especially oxygen, is the main culprit for the 2 stroke oil going bad. However, there are other elements that can also affect the lifespan of 2 stroke oil.
These elements include rapid change in temperatures and exposure to some extreme heat that might cause some irreversible changes in the chemical structure of the oil.
Additionally, heat generally increases the speed of the oxidation process, so the oil will go bad much earlier than it should.
Leaving the container open without exposure to a lid or contaminating the oil by pouring it out and returning it back to the container can also alter the lifespan of the oil.
Lastly, water and moisture can also damage the oil by the process of hydrolysis, which is why 2 stroke oil must be kept in a dry place away from high humidity.
What Will Happen If You Use Dated 2 Stroke Oil?
Using 2 stroke oil well after its expiry date might cause some serious damage to the internal parts of the engine as well as the capacitors.
Continuing to run the engine with the damage will cause the motor to produce a lot of smoke and might end up causing the motor to catch on fire.
How to Tell That 2 Stroke Oil Has Gone Bad
There isn’t a huge difference between fresh and expired 2 stroke oil. The oil might get slightly darker and give off a rancid smell.
But other than that, it’s still a bit challenging to tell the difference. This is why you should always check the date on the package before pouring it into your bike.
What Are the Factors that Shape 2 Stroke Oil Longevity?
While buying a good 2 stroke oil for your motorcycle, there are various features that you must keep in mind.
Surprisingly, two of these features are extremely essential for the longevity of the oil and how smooth the engine will run.
This factor is defined by the level of deposits and ash inside. When using a 2 stroke oil that has a high level of zinc and calcium in its content, it’s bound to produce a lot of ash inside the motor, which can cause it to clog.
On the other hand, a 2 stroke oil with a low level of ash means that it has a lower level of metal contaminants that can cause the oil to have a shorter lifespan.
How to Store and Extend 2 Stroke Oil’s Lifespan
To make sure that the 2 stroke oil stays as fresh as possible for the longest time, here are some tips to consider:
- Always make sure that you store the 2 stroke oil in an airtight container
- Avoid opening the lid until you use the 2 stroke oil and never leave the container uncapped.
- Keep the opened 2 stroke oil in a relatively cool area with a low level of moisture to avoid other kinds of contamination. You can use a room hygrometer to read out the humidity of the storage room.
- Never keep the oil next to an immediate source of heat
- Only mix the amount of oil you’re planning to use in a separate container and keep it as small and air-tight as possible
Wrap Up
So, technically speaking, 2 stroke oil does go bad. However, most oil companies seal the oil properly so that it can last for up to 5 years if it remains unopened and up to to 2 to 3 years after opening.
However, once you mix the oil with gas, the motor fuel should be used within a time window of fewer than a couple of months for optimal performance.
Before and after opening a 2 stroke oil container, make sure that you store it in a dry area that’s concealed from the sun to maximize its shelf life.