Gasket Shelf-Life

[ewillis]

Let's hypothetically say I got a good deal on a new, unused HG or valve cover gasket or O-ring set or whatever. I don't need to install immediately because everything is all good at the moment, but a seller offers up a good price on new old stock. I would imagine the material would degrade after X amount of time to some degree, but what is a reasonable shelf-life expectancy from the parts gurus?

Also, is there a way to decipher an original manufacture date code from the label?
TIA

 

[baldilocks]

I’d look the other way.

 

[mudgudgeon]

The biggest problem I see is storing them somewhere they aren't going to get bent or crushed until you want them some time in the future.
Large, and kind of fragile

 

[Broski]

Anything rubber will start to deteriorate, the head Gasket I don't see a problem.

I purchased a extra set of fan Belts, it's been two years now starting to thing it was a bad idea.

 

[Heckraiser]

subscribing.

I spent a pretty penny on new valve cover gasket and spark plug o-rings like 4 years ago and never got around to installing them. Never even considered they would go bad on the shelf as I imagine parts like these probably sit around in some Toyota warehouse for years. But maybe I'm wrong?

 

[Cruzerman]

I would think they would be in a plastic bag and as long as they don't get damaged and are stored in a reasonable environment that they should last longer than you do.

 

[Woofythewolf]

I know ozone degrades rubber, but if it's in a fairly well sealed bag, once it reacts with the ozone in the bag it shouldn't degrade any further.

I'd be more worried about it getting crushed/damaged from something being put on top of it.

 

[COYS]

Love the nature of the question!

I’d buy sht from you.