I know that this is not about my ram, Infact it actually about my Ford. I was given a case of Valvoline STRAIGHT 40 wt NON DETERGENT oil that is still in the old cardboard cans with metal lids, and an unopened 5 gallon bucket, circa 1960 or so. I would like to run it in my 1931 Ford AA truck. Are there any mechanics on here that see a real problem with this. There is nothing settled out on the bottom of the pail, and non detergent oil really has nothing to seperate, does it? The 31 does not have an oil filter, so yes, it should be running non detergent oil. Any insight would be appreciated, as I don't want to throw out something that is still good.

 

Are these containers sealed? Sounds like they're not.

I'm not a mechanic, but I'd be skeptical about using them in that case. If they had remained sealed, they'd probably be OK. After all, that stuff sat in the ground for 65 million years.

 

If the 5 gal bucket has truly never been opened, it might be OK. I would skip on the cardboard cans due to the possibility of water absorption.

If I had a 31' Ford, I would not risk it. I assume you mean that it has the original engine. Oil science has come such a long way since the 60's, more so since the 30's for that matter, why risk your engine over a handful of oil changes. I would try selling the oil on Ebay. You might have a collectors item? You might make some good $$, or at least sell it dollar for dollar so you can go buy some good stuff. Or how about Craigslist?

Go look at item number 150485862781 on ebay. Somebody is selling an old quart Valvoline can for 24$ + shipping

 

oil should not separate but use oil will get acidic over time

 

Thanks for the input. I don't trust the cans, but yes, the bucket is still sealed from the factory, metal pail with no screwdriver marks on the tabs that get bent up when you open it, and no marks on the pour spout.

 

You might check around the oil in it's original container unopened may be worth something to a collector of such things.

 

Cans and old Quarts in cardboard containers are Highly collectible and worth a great deal in todays market.. If you have a case of the oil it may be worth more by the case and im talking a couple hundred dollars.. Look into it before you drain the oil out of them cans and bucket.

 

DONT DO IT!!!! Its collectible.

I would buy it off you, it would look sweet in my garage.!

 

and yes, i would think oil does go bad.