Reuse Engine Oil?

I've been caught more than a few times needing to open an engine resulting in the loss of some or all of the oil way before that oil qualifies as 'Used'.
I'm wondering what others have done to assure the oil is clean enough to reuse. Or is my lightly used motorcycle oil only fit for lawn mowers?
Bill

I'm sure this one will bring a plethora of opposing opinions been a while since we had an "oil" thread !!

I think as long as you capture it in a very clean container (one that can be sealed tightly) it should be fine. 

It was being pumped through a filter while the engine was running and it shouldn't have had time to shear/break down.

wrote:

I think as long as you capture it in a very clean container (one that can be sealed tightly) it should be fine. 

It was being pumped through a filter while the engine was running and it shouldn't have had time to shear/break down.

^^^ +1 ^^^

   If motor is known to run clean and be relatively clean internally anyway, the only thing we can add is to allow the drained oil to rest undisturbed in the vessel it was drained into for an indefinite time (hour? day?) to allow tiny, heavy particles to sink to the bottom.  You know, those sparkly things that look like paint metalflake when viewed in direct sun.  Then, carefully pour the used oil into it's final storage container while keeping agitation to a minimum.  Stop pouring when the last 1/2 pint (~250 ml) or so still remains, as that will contain most all the heavy particulates that settled while resting.

   Perhaps members could also share what they use drained End-of-Life motor oil for.   We've often used EoL motor oil that's been allowed to settle as bar oil in chain saws.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

First I would point out that a few liters of engine oil are not expensive to replace.  But cost is only one consideration.  If the oil can be captured cleanly I will re-use it and have done so several times.  I hate waste!

slmjim+Z1BEBE wrote:

wrote:

I think as long as you capture it in a very clean container (one that can be sealed tightly) it should be fine. 

It was being pumped through a filter while the engine was running and it shouldn't have had time to shear/break down.

^^^ +1 ^^^

   If motor is known to run clean and be relatively clean internally anyway, the only thing we can add is to allow the drained oil to rest undisturbed in the vessel it was drained into for an indefinite time (hour? day?) to allow tiny, heavy particles to sink to the bottom.  You know, those sparkly things that look like paint metalflake when viewed in direct sun.  Then, carefully pour the used oil into it's final storage container while keeping agitation to a minimum.  Stop pouring when the last 1/2 pint (~250 ml) or so still remains, as that will contain most all the heavy particulates that settled while resting.

   Perhaps members could also share what they use drained End-of-Life motor oil for.   We've often used EoL motor oil that's been allowed to settle as bar oil in chain saws.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

The only thing I would add is to ensure the area around the plug is clean of loose debris before removing and draining
A word of "WARNING" ref what you use old engine oil for - It is "Carcinogenic"  once it contains burnt carbon, this is why for 25 years or more dealerships have provided latex gloves to techs to avoid contact with old oil - one of the biggest killers of old "mechanics" was testicular cancer from having an "oily rag" in the pocket of their overalls for years !!!!!

I was thinking that I might join an electric oil pump to an oil filter. I'd use it to pump the oil out of the drain pan and into a clean oil jug until I'm ready to refill the engine. I've got a loose filter base just need an oil pump.
Thinking on it.
Bill

Wookie58 wrote:

slmjim+Z1BEBE wrote:

wrote:

I think as long as you capture it in a very clean container (one that can be sealed tightly) it should be fine. 

It was being pumped through a filter while the engine was running and it shouldn't have had time to shear/break down.

^^^ +1 ^^^

   If motor is known to run clean and be relatively clean internally anyway, the only thing we can add is to allow the drained oil to rest undisturbed in the vessel it was drained into for an indefinite time (hour? day?) to allow tiny, heavy particles to sink to the bottom.  You know, those sparkly things that look like paint metalflake when viewed in direct sun.  Then, carefully pour the used oil into it's final storage container while keeping agitation to a minimum.  Stop pouring when the last 1/2 pint (~250 ml) or so still remains, as that will contain most all the heavy particulates that settled while resting.

   Perhaps members could also share what they use drained End-of-Life motor oil for.   We've often used EoL motor oil that's been allowed to settle as bar oil in chain saws.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

The only thing I would add is to ensure the area around the plug is clean of loose debris before removing and draining
A word of "WARNING" ref what you use old engine oil for - It is "Carcinogenic"  once it contains burnt carbon, this is why for 25 years or more dealerships have provided latex gloves to techs to avoid contact with old oil - one of the biggest killers of old "mechanics" was testicular cancer from having an "oily rag" in the pocket of their overalls for years !!!!!

Depending on the situation, I have re-used oil in the past. 

In the early 80's I began using surgical gloves because my then wife was always complaining that my hands and nails were messy and the oil and chemicals odor bothered her. Back then, everyone in the shop used to tease me about wearing surgical gloves. Ironically, about 8 years ago I went back to visit my former employer, and now everyone in the service department uses gloves. 

I've been pondering this question  and here is my 2cents
I have only reused oil in any of my motors when no other option was available.
Like stores were closed and I didn't have any fresh oil in my stockpile and 
getting my motor functioning was a priority.
  My reasoning is oil is one of the cheapest  things you can buy to insure a healthy motor.
I have used old oil for other uses , but not in a motor I cared about. 
oil fired heaters are a good one as is  chainsaw bar lube . I'm sure there are other uses too.
I also never hesitate  to put in fresh sparkplugs to keep my motors in top shape.
A expensive motor deserves fresh blood as cheap insurance
Dave

I'd reuse.  As mentioned, clean the engine so no external debris falls into the mix.  Also, as mentioned, look for particles on the bottom and stop pouring if you see any.