Re-use of barely used oil?

M

Mongrel

Well-known member
I need to replace the oil filter cover gasket on my bike, which in my case requires draining the whole crankcase.

Cost is not an issue here, but it seems awfully wasteful to just throw out oil I only put in about 150kms ago (during winterization). Assuming I use a clean container (I'll probably pick up a cheap throwaway tub from the dollar store, rather than using my usual filthy oil drain pan) is there any reason I can't just re-use the same oil?

I mean, I don't think there's a problem there, but I just wanted to ask in case there was something I was missing?
 
Mongrel said:
I need to replace the oil filter cover gasket on my bike, which in my case requires draining the whole crankcase.

Cost is not an issue here, but it seems awfully wasteful to just throw out oil I only put in about 150kms ago (during winterization). Assuming I use a clean container (I'll probably pick up a cheap throwaway tub from the dollar store, rather than using my usual filthy oil drain pan) is there any reason I can't just re-use the same oil?

I mean, I don't think there's a problem there, but I just wanted to ask in case there was something I was missing?
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You've got it right. If you can drain the oil into a clean container, there's no problem.
 
If you do drain into a clean pail, once all the oil is drained don't wipe the drain hole clean while the pail is underneath the drain hole. You may scrape any dirt into the clean oil by doing so.
 
I just went through similar last weekend (leaky gasket after a change). I just opted to dump the new oil and replace, as some had dripped over the engine & exhaust (plus the container was open to the breeze). End of day, $20-40 is worth it for peace of mind imo, but yeah it is wasteful.

Side note -- I want to kick the guy in the balls who designed the CBR250R cartridge filter system (vs just using a spin-on).
 
Mongrel said:
Cost is not an issue here, but it seems awfully wasteful to just throw out oil I only put in about 150kms ago (during winterization).
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If the oil has been in the bike over the winter it is not really new, since it has been in the bike for at least three months. I prefer to start the season with new fresh oil, so if it were me and money is not the issue I would refill with new oil.
 
I would filter it before putting it back in. If you cant get filter paper, just use a thick piece of newspaper. Fold it 2x and slip the pointed end into a funnel

Sent from my tablet using my paws
 
Reuse the oil. You really think dust getting in to the oil will hurt? It's 150km, you're more than fine unless you put rocks in to it.

If you went by changing "used" oil at 150km you'd never ride your bike! ;). Do the work save your money for gas and go crazy.

150km you could practically drink it hah! ;)

All the best.

For all those who change their oil at the end AND at the start of the season, you do realize the store bought oil that you purchase at the start of the season has been sitting on the shelf (at the dealer or in a factory) for the last 6 months over the winter right?
 
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lostinspace said:
For all those who change their oil at the end AND at the start of the season, you do realize the store bought oil that you purchase at the start of the season has been sitting on the shelf (at the dealer or in a factory) for the last 6 months over the winter right?
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Sure...the only difference is it was exposed to atmosphere/moisture...unlike the sealed containers on the shelf you are referring to. Bacteria can start to eat at the oil...even make it smell like nasty cheese!!!
Do what you like...Im just saying the oil is not the same...and YES dust and grit can actually make a difference :)
Cheers Sadz.
 
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I'm not saying to pour your oil back in with metal shavings. I have yet to see dust win over steel or aluminum.

Cover gasket won't take more than about 2 hours on most bikes, put some plastic wrap over it if you're worried about dust (I wouldn't even bother).

As for oil being used 150km or "literally fresh oil in the winter" and "fresh oil at the start of the season"... I can appreciate taking GREAT care of your bike but there are some things that are borderline OCD and add IMO zero value. Again, that's IMO, so I'm probably the crazy one ;)

Not getting in to a rant, so this is my last post/reply on this topic.

Go do the cover, re-use the oil, go ride, have an ice cream, use the extra money for gas and be safe.

Cheers!
 
Sadz said:
Sure...the only difference is it was exposed to atmosphere/moisture...unlike the sealed containers on the shelf you are referring to. Bacteria can start to eat at the oil...even make it smell like nasty cheese!!!
Do what you like...Im just saying the oil is not the same...and YES dust and grit can actually make a difference :)
Cheers Sadz.
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The moisture will be boiled off the very first time the bike gets up to full operating temperature, and the bacteria (if present) will be killed off. While the bacteria you're talking about does actually exist, I highly doubt it will be present, unless somebody has added a handful of dirt from their lawn to the oil. The only real kind of degradation that motor oil normally experiences just sitting is oxidation, which also happens at a much higher rate when the bike is running.
 
RockerGuy said:
I would filter it before putting it back in. If you cant get filter paper, just use a thick piece of newspaper. Fold it 2x and slip the pointed end into a funnel

Sent from my tablet using my paws
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Not a bad idea,but will take forever.Drain into a clean pan,use a funnel big enough to cover with a chunk of pantyhose (your problem) filter thru the nylon as you fill.Learned this from a dragrace friend many yrs ago.
 
Malks said:
If the oil has been in the bike over the winter it is not really new,il.
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This - Oil is not the place to go cheap on your bike

Rim tape and fender eliminators is the place to go cheap
 
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Wingboy said:
Not a bad idea,but will take forever.Drain into a clean pan,use a funnel big enough to cover with a chunk of pantyhose (your problem) filter thru the nylon as you fill.Learned this from a dragrace friend many yrs ago.
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You can also use paper towels, the have a larger pore. Oil will not destroy paper as water.
Guess what your oil filter is made of??????



paper
 
I'd re-use it. Ride more, worry less.
 
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