I need help with oil problem

[rocket rich]

Is there such of thing as outboard motor oil getting old????? I recently bought some Johnson oil that was maybe 10-15years old and it seem as though this oil doesn't mix. I can't get my Mercury motor to start now and my chainsaw doesn't want to run?? I hate to throw away 11 GALLONS OF GAS. HELP COMMENTS PLEASE OR PM ME

[GCD]

Sounds like your oil has turned into sludge.

Check your spark plugs for fouling.

[rocket rich]

I Think You Are Right

[ijerkum]

outboard motor oil contains additives-these additives will actually separate and become heavy over time-once in the heavy stage they will "gravitate" top the bottom of the container thus becoming sludge-really bad stuff for oil injected motors-best to get rid of the old and go with fresh oil- this is unfortunately the voice of experience!

[rocket rich]

lNow this morning the motor started and ran very good , yesterday was no good didnt' run at all??? Put out more brush piles today again. too hot to fish

[Fatman]

I'd say check with a boat repair guy and see if putting some stabile marine in with the oil/gas mixture and shake it up some.

Fatman

[Eager Beaver]

Get rid of the old oil and drain out the gas that you mixed it with. You are asking for trouble if you continue to use the old oil. After a time it will break down and loose its lubrication properties and won't be doing what it is intended for. You are asking for a burnt up motor if you continue to use it. imho EB

[CatFan]

Is there such of thing as outboard motor oil getting old????? I recently bought some Johnson oil that was maybe 10-15years old and it seem as though this oil doesn't mix. I can't get my Mercury motor to start now and my chainsaw doesn't want to run?? I hate to throw away 11 GALLONS OF GAS. HELP COMMENTS PLEASE OR PM ME

Typically air-cooled 2-stroke oil is not the same as the oil for water cooled engines. The TC-3 for air-cooled engines has a lot more lubrication than TCW-3 for water-cooled engines. The higher temps in the high-reving chainsaw gets rid of the ash that forms. Bottom line is you shouldn't use outboard oil in a chainsaw or chainsaw oil in an outboard.


I wouldn't mess with old oil. Engines are too expensive to fix. Mix a little of the gas in with your lawnmower gas.

[TampaJim]

The average shelf life of finished lubricants is 3 years from the date of production. Depending on the exact formulation AND the storage conditions, it can be a considerably shorter or a bit longer ... but never 10-15 years.

Ditch the gas/oil mixture and thoroughly clean everything, including the engine components.

BTW, I am a lubrication engineer for an oil company - since 1981. But I would rather be a full-time professional crappie fisherman, unfortunately the job keeps getting in my way.

TJ -

[brushnjigs]

It would be cheaper in the long run to trash the old. Repair bill will be expensive if you continue to run on the old oil/gas. Get some sea foam in the new, hopfully you have not clogged an injector. If a cylinder is not getting gas its not getting oil.