Can trans fluid, Dexron II, go bad?

[Paul_G]

I have 18 sealed cans, yes cans, of Valvoline Dexron II. Is it still usable?

 

[RemCharger]

In my opinion, yes. I've used some very old cans.. old oil as well.

 

[eldubb440]

I'd trust it over anything new today.......I'd probably prefer it

 

[Black_Sheep]

Sealed containers? I wouldn’t be afraid to use them…

 

[j-c-c-62]

Steel or plastic?
I can't assume on "cans".
I remember back in the day cans made of cardboard.

 

[Kern Dog]

I've collected some "seasoned" cans and bottles of oil from the recycling section of the county dump. People clear out their late parents place and bring the stuff in for disposal and the dump puts it aside for people like me. I like that.

 

[Paul_G]

Steel or plastic?
I can't assume on "cans".
I remember back in the day cans made of cardboard.

Steel top and bottom, cardboard middle.

 

[RJRENTON]

I have 18 sealed cans, yes cans, of Valvoline Dexron II. Is it still usable?

Perhaps the question should be asked to the manufacturer, providing the lot number or date on the fluid's container.....that way you'll have a definitive snswer rather speculation or "guesstimate".......
BOB RENTON

 

[Kern Dog]

You think a manufacturer would advise to use the old stuff if they can lie and sell you new stuff?

 

[Paul_G]

Perhaps the question should be asked to the manufacturer, providing the lot number or date on the fluid's container.....that way you'll have a definitive snswer rather speculation or "guesstimate".......
BOB RENTON

In today's dumb downed world the manufacturer may not even know what Dexron II even is.

 

[dadsbee]

Better for our cars than anything made today. Some of the replies appear to just get dumber and dumber every day here...

 

[DeltaV]

Usable shelf life is longer than us!

 

[WileERobby]

I was gonna write a whole, elaborate commentary. I condensed it to... yes, it's still usable.

 

[66 Sat]

You think a manufacturer would advise to use the old stuff if they can lie and sell you new stuff?

Also...they'd be too scared that there would be an issue and they'd be held liable.
The default position nowadays is "No" regardless of the product.

 

[threewood]

It's hydraulic fluid and I doubt it will go bad if still sealed.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

Motor Oil Expiration Dates & Shelf Life​

Currently, according to known oil specialists and lubrication laboratory testing a non-used or non-opened lubricant, engine oil, ATF, transmission fluid, grease, gear oil, transfer case fluid, coolant, or antifreeze product has no expiration date. However, this is dependent on several scenarios.

If the product has not been used, stored in a factory-sealed container in a temperature-controlled storage facility, and hasn't experienced years (5 yrs.) of excessive ambient temperature and humidity changes, the oil's intended fluid formulation, properties, and additives are still intact, and stable for its intended application, and use. Most modern synthetics will not separate or change in molecular makeup in storage, rather only from normal vehicle use during everyday engine and driveline lubricating heat cycles resulting in normal oil service interval lubricating depletion or deterioration. As mentioned below, the calendar date of when the oil was manufactured listed on the bottle does not affect the performance of the product.

 

[Kern Dog]

I've collected some "seasoned" cans and bottles of oil from the recycling section of the county dump. People clear out their late parents place and bring the stuff in for disposal and the dump puts it aside for people like me. I like that.

Thursday I got 6 quarts of this stuff:

I remember the TV ads for this stuff a long time ago.

SF is the highest rating when this was sold? They are up to SN or SO now.
More scores from the county dump. The facility is down the road from a 55+ community so I wonder how many more seasoned elders have stuff like this in their garages.
I’ve scored gallons of windshield washer fluid, multiple cans of WD40, brake fluid (unopened) wax… bug and weed killer, all sorts of good stuff.

 

[RJRENTON]

Thursday I got 6 quarts of this stuff:

View attachment 1637906

I remember the TV ads for this stuff a long time ago.

View attachment 1637907

SF is the highest rating when this was sold? They are up to SN or SO now.
More scores from the county dump. The facility is down the road from a 55+ community so I wonder how many more seasoned elders have stuff like this in their garages.
I’ve scored gallons of windshield washer fluid, multiple cans of WD40, brake fluid (unopened) wax… bug and weed killer, all sorts of good stuff.

WHY???? Just to save a few $$$ ??. Take it to the re-cycling center snd have it disposed properly. Lubrication and fluid technologies have changed by the order of several magnitudes over the years, with the addition of newer polymers and anti-wear components. If this product is so good, why is it not still available? Personally, I would not use it in my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine. If you would not put this oil in your classic car, why buy it? ......just curious....??
BOB RENTON

 

[Kern Dog]

Bob. Your rants are getting old.
I didn't state that I paid for it. "take it to a recycling center"... Do you read before posting? THAT is where I got it. It is perfectly fine yet someone threw it away.
Newer oil is designed more for newer engines with an emphasis on not damaging catalytic converters. Old oil like this has zinc and phosphorus levels not seen in years.

 

[oldkimmer]

When I worked as a mechanic I had a 5 gallon pail under my bench. I poured in any left over oil into it. That included any weight and atf as well. One of my friends used it in all his vehicles. Didn’t matter how old or new the vehicle was. Kim