Anyone buy motor oil in bulk?

[In The Ten Ring]

I love to do my own oil changes. Does anyone buy their oil in bulk, say a drum at a time?

I called around and there is a supplier in OH (neighboring state) that will sell me a 55 gallon drum of conventional oil for $750.00 and a drum of synthetic blend for $420.00. If I buy, I'll go there myself as they allow pick up.

Once I get my shed built, I'll have plenty of room to store it. Oil doesn't go bad (right?) so by my calculations, it would last me some 12 years at my current change rate.

Thoughts?

['68OrangeSunshine]

Why is the synthetic oil so much cheaper in bulk? By-the-Quart it's almost double.
I couldn't handle a 55 gallon drum, but I have thought of getting Valvoline Racing SAE 30 in case lots since it's not a shelf item at the FLAPS.
I have bought GL5 gear oil in 5 gallon buckets.

[In The Ten Ring]

I don't know. The sales rep said the company makes its own synthetic blend but that it is API approved.

[Clavo106]

I wouldn't suggest it/ only if u had your own lube shop and you where changing oil everday..
oil breaks down over time.. it will discolor.and separate. imo its not worth it..

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Clavo106

I wouldn't suggest it/ only if u had your own lube shop and you where changing oil everday..
oil breaks down over time.. it will discolor.and separate. imo its not worth it..

That's what I was afraid of. Now in my mower, I am still using Valvoline 30 weight that I was given over a decade ago.

[Clavo106]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

That's what I was afraid of. Now in my mower, I am still using lvoline 30 weight that I was given over a decade ago.

that 30wt I believe is not detergent... in short- its more to lubercate then to clean. if it has oil fiter thats a different story.....
if u have a car that u just change the oil 10yr ago and let it sit... it will seprate... brake down.. thats y they say 3000miles or every 3 months...

[Clavo106]

edit / 30wt non detergent

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Clavo106

that 30wt I believe is not detergent... in short- its more to lubercate then to clean. if it has oil fiter thats a different story.....
if u have a car that u just change the oil 10yr ago and let it sit... it will seprate... brake down.. thats y they say 3000miles or every 3 months...

Hmmm....well....so much for that idea! LOL

Thanks guys.

[special-K]

My needs are for different oils in different engines, so never considered a drum. Oil that comes in gallons or 5qt can come at about the best price you'll find. I used to buy cases of quarts but more for convenience, since the discount was like a dollar...big whoop. Oil breaks down and gets acidic 'once' it has been run in an engine. I don't believe anything goes bad from storage of fresh oil as long as there is no condensation.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Yeah. I have used oil that was still canned and in old plastic bottles with no ill effects. If anything, its better oil for old flat tappet hydraulic lifter engines, as it still has the good stuff the Govt made 'em take out.
But that's off topic as you can't get vintage oil in bulk.