(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

diesel storage and when does diesel go bad?

B

blue_tractor_man

Member
I want to store some diesel on my homestead for extended periods. I bought a steel tank from a retired logger and the tank had about 50 gallons of diesel in it. He did not remember how old the fuel was.

Question 1: Can I still use old diesel fuel? It seems a shame to waste it, not to mention how much fuel is these days.

Question 2: How long can I store diesel fuel before it goes bad? Do I need to put anything in it to make it last?
 
I'd use it and not worry. Filter it, with a water blocking filter, and maybe put an algicide in it. I got some back in 2006 that had been in an underground tank since 1955 and it did fine.
 
I think alot has to do with temperature fluctuations with the fuel and also as other person mentions there is a bacteria that will grow in diesel fuel and turn it black. You could run some of that in the fuel and just recirculate with your pump (if you got an electric pump)to filter it a couple of times. I would reconsider running it in anything modern if it has any indication of being old or dirty. Cheap fuel can become really expensive quickly...

Ryan
 
What about water contamination. I've had problems recently with condensation in my storage tank. What do you use to get the water out.
I haul fuel from the station to the place with a 30 gallon drum. If it spends much time at all stored in the drum I have problems with condensation. Can you use ethanal in it like in gas, will the filter catch this (I have an inline fuel filter on the line as it pumps out of the tank.)
Thanks
 
I use a 55 gallon drum standing vertically and I keep the suction pipe about an inch off the bottom to preclude sucking up much water. I also have a filter on the pump to take out dirt and water and I treat the fuel with a dispersant that helps the filter and water separator take out the water.
 
At work we just purchased fuel for our back up generator. We haven't refueld in 14 years. So I figure it probably is still good. We run a test on the generator every week and it ran fine before the most recent "top off".
 
I filled my 200 gallon tank over 8 years ago just about the time we sold the dozer and quit using the backhoe. I have been using small amounts out of it in my 961 Dorf and 5020 Allis. I think I struck air when I was putting some in the 961 to move snow. It is a little darker but other than that is seems fine.
 
I have some in a barrell that is over 50 years old, and the stuff still looks, and smells good. I only use it for my steam cleaner, and to start the community BBQ a couple times a year. I would think under 10 years will not be a problem. I hear of tractors that have been sitting for years, starting, and running good on old diesel.Stan
 
Acording to our fuel man the new fuel has a 8month shelf life and the bio has a 3month I know we have had lots of problems with the bio sitting to long in our tractors.
 
the last sentence says it all, good old diesel, bet the c##p we buy today would last as long as yesterday's fuel..could imagine how much did you pay for it back then. lol// had some fuel in my little p/u for 6yrs, still started up ok!
 
Diesel doesn't go bad like gas. Might want to treat it with some bio-cide to kill any bacteria/algae growth in it. Pretty good chance it will have a higher specific gravity than what's sold today.
 
The answer depends upon the fuel system you are wanting to use it in. Older systems, like 10 years or older no problem. Anything newer that is the high pressure type, stay away from it. Injectors don't like old fuel. Nozzles are a different thing. 3 months for bio and 8 months for straight is a good rule of thumb for the newer fuel systems.

Also, be informed. As of this year that can sell you diesel with up to 5% bio and not have to tell you. This means that everyone is likely getting at least this much bio unless more is mandated by your state.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

rusty6
Summer Diesel at 0
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
Fixingfarmer
Fixingfarmer
super99
What a Mess!!!
Replies
15
Views
2K
sonnythomas
S
WI Dan
Can I store gasoline in a former diesel tank?
Replies
18
Views
697
Texasmark
T
ster1
JD 4.219 diesel and gasser same block?
Replies
3
Views
321
ster1
ster1
F
Plastic fuel tank
Replies
6
Views
933
MJMJ
M
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top