[DeTomaso] Car maint

[Garth Rodericks]

How long does oil in a (cardboard) can stay good?
  I'm sure Dan Jones will give us the "straight dope" with a complete technical explanation, but I believe the oil will remain "good" indefinitely. My understanding is that it gets dirty, but it doesn't wear out. Although I don't know if viscosity properties change over time or wear. My concern would be that the cardboard can breaks down and allows cardboard particles to enter into suspension in the oil. Actually, I'm not concerned with whether cardboard particles could contaminate the oil. I think the cardboard oil cans were coated internally with a wax or plastic substance to keep the can from becomming oil soaked and dissolving on the shelf of your local auto parts store. Also, paper breaks down in oil. And, the oil filter will remove what didn't break down.  That's why you never use rags to wipe anything when building an engine - always use paper towels.
   
  Check out this site to learn all about oil: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
   
  Cheers!
  Garth
  #4033
   
   

 		
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