Will engine oil rot wood?

[Graham Orm]

In a couple of months I am helping a pal construct an advertising hoarding on the side of his car lot. We'll concrete in some heavy uprights and fix exterior ply to it I imagine. As he has a repair shop on site, I thought we could stand the uprights in a barrel of old engine oil for a month before they go in the ground to help waterproof them.

Any reasons why I shouldn't?

 

[Fatboy]

we've done that for years mixed with a bit of creosote type preserver, not had any issues as yet.

 

[mailee]

Used to do that for fence posts years ago...and they are still standing so I think it works ok. :wink:

 

[Graham Orm]

Good stuff, as I thought. Thanks guys.

 

[No skills]

If you get time and the posts are fairly chunky try running a half inch deep slit up each face of the post for the first 2' or so. Really seems to help the 'preservative' penetrate the post when their being soaked.

 

[Graham Orm]

If you get time and the posts are fairly chunky try running a half inch deep slit up each face of the post for the first 2' or so. Really seems to help the 'preservative' penetrate the post when their being soaked.

Thanks :wink:

 

[doorframe]

I've been using old engine oil as a wood preserver for years, as was my Dad, but there are plenty of disbelievers, with maybe good reason. Old used engine oil is toxic, not good for the environment, and worse, according to various reports you can find on google. After all these years it doesn't bother me, but I won't let my family members handle used engine oil.... just in case. Not being a pooper, but maybe worth a quick research, for your own piece of mind.

 

[Graham Orm]

Thanks anyway DF but I've handled a lot over the years and I'm pretty sure that H&S would have something to say about the amount mechanics must handle. Thanks for the input.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Yes, that's why mechanics now wear gloves.

 

[Graham Orm]

Nah, thats just to keep them clean

 

[doorframe]

Thanks anyway DF but I've handled a lot over the years and I'm pretty sure that H&S would have something to say about the amount mechanics must handle. Thanks for the input.

They have.... http://www.hse.gov.uk/mvr/topics/oil.htm

 

[shed9]

Used engine oil is carcinogenic, that's why a lot of mechanics used to and still get testicular cancer.

 

[Graham Orm]

Give over, next you'll be telling me MDF dust is dangerous!

 

[shed9]

Give over, next you'll be telling me MDF dust is dangerous!

Nope, MDF dust is absolutely fine, tastes great sprinkled on yer' Shreddies.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Tastes better than bl00dy Shreddies, anyway.