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Does Diesel Fuel get old ????

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Matt

06-10-2004 12:55:15

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Does Diesel Fuel get old after time? I mean 4-8 years? I have heard it isnt like gas, in that it keeps, but how long? I have some in my tractor that may be 8 years old.

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Jed`

06-11-2004 08:26:08

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Matt, I run a fuels lab in Pa. "parctech.com".
Fuel just like gasoline goes bad. It oxidises. They put in additives to slow it down, but beyond 4 years is really pushing it.Injector pumps, injectors, etc. are way more expensive than fuel.

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don

06-11-2004 15:36:27

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Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Jed`, 06-11-2004 08:26:08

In closing, I've learned a lot here, this is what I would call brainstorming and I would say very imformative and I would say Matt,this discussion was very smart and spurred some very good rhetoric and even though I think the answer was clear from the gitgo it turned out good and not a single foul word was spoken. Job well done folks! Oh and I like the suggestion about using it to burn brush because that was my first inclination.

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Tom

06-11-2004 05:01:42

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Matt, think about this. Injection pump rebuild is about $700 and lots of work. New tank of clean diesel is about $??? depending on the size of your tank. Solution = drain it out, flush tank, refill with new diesel. Side issue is that if you don't burn a single tank of fuel in 8 years, what are you doing with the tractor?? Consider selling it.

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Bus Driver

06-10-2004 17:32:34

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

I know of those who have experienced all the problems listed below, especailly the algae growth. But I have used 8 year old fuel in my tractor with no problem. My storage tank is elevated for gravity flow to the tractor. I have a 5 micron filter between the tank valve and the hose. The hose also has a nozzle with the normal hand valve on it. I think that filter is the key to my success.

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john in la

06-10-2004 17:25:37

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Diesel fuel does not get old like gas but as others have said it does go bad if not stored correctly. Any tank will condensate water and algae will grow in it. The main concern with diesel is to buy it clean store it clean and use it clean. Fuel pumps and injectors are destroyed by contaminates very easily.

How much are we talking about $10. worth.

With this quantity just throw it away or use in as a burn pile starter or a grass killer along a fence. Also makes a good termite killer on building piers.

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Chip

06-10-2004 16:02:02

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Water settles.Fuel oil on top.Old is'nt a big problem,it'll burn.Algae growth,which fuel supports,is.Additives help control or stop growth.If the fuel is clear it should be fine.

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06-10-2004 14:43:26

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Yes it does, our neighbor has a 4020 that sees very little use since he retired and the fuel went bad in it. It gets a bacteria of some kind in it. Hard to beleive but I have read it several different places. Its kind of a black slimey stuff, you'll see it in your fuel filters if you have it, there is a treatment you can use but I don't know anything about it

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Heat Houser

06-10-2004 16:54:28

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Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to JW, 06-10-2004 14:43:26

The black slime is bacteria and it grows at the junction of the water and fuel. If you have water in your tank, you will usually have growth. I would use the old fuel to light piles of brush on fire.

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Tommy D6-8U

06-10-2004 16:49:52

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Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to JW, 06-10-2004 14:43:26

Diesel will float on top of water. Thats how fuel/water separaters work; you drain the water off the bottom. The algae can be controlled by an additive that usually can be purchased at your fuel distributor or a shop that rebuilds fuel injection equipment. Also try a marine supply house. West Marine (1-800-262-8464) has several products that will do the job. Item #s 1919190, 255739, 518696. The 1919190 is a Racor product and is EPA approved. Their website is westmarine.com.

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don

06-10-2004 15:22:12

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Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to JW, 06-10-2004 14:43:26

wellll, that question I can't answer but I'd be more concerned about fuel tank condition. #1 is it a metal fuel tank? Where was it stored? ie; what part of the country? Arizona or Michigan, the point is if the vehicle was kept in an area that was subjected to the four seasons with high humidity issues you will get water condensing in the tank and will of course lay on top of the fuel and create a rust line at that point which of course you probably know can flake off and plug fuel filters which is irritating to say the least, bear in mind these particles are very small. My suggestion is drain the tank then take a very good flashlight and scan the fuel tank for corrosion evidence ie; dark spots on the inner tank wall.But if the tank is a plastic or composite material try your luck.

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thurlow

06-10-2004 15:35:43

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Re: Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to don , 06-10-2004 15:22:12

So diesel is heavier than water..... .....?

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don

06-10-2004 16:24:10

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to thurlow, 06-10-2004 15:35:43

Can't tell you without going through my old books but spg for water is I think 1.1 which makes it about 8.2lbs per gallon I'm not sure but I think kerosene is about the same but #2 diesel is heavier because of its refinery level and we all know most oil companies are allowed to put so much water in there fuel, let me rephrase that they're allowed so much moisture in thier fuel and diesel does not give up water very well because of its chemical composition but due to the time this vehicle has sat it could very easily have collected on the top. In summary I have seen this before and this is why most tractor mfg companies switch to composite full tanks. I'm certainly not a chemical engineer but you can perform this test yourself by taking a cup of diesel fuel and putting a capful of water in it and see if it floats to the top. Oh, I forgot make sure the diesel fuel is 8 years old.

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john in la

06-10-2004 17:15:23

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to don, 06-10-2004 16:24:10

Diesel weighs about 7.2lbs per gallon depending on gravity and temperature.
Water weighs about 8.2lbs per gallon.
Now which one is heavier?
Diesel will always float on water if allowed to sit and separate. This is how they remove the water from storage tanks. They pump from the bottom till diesel is pumped.

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don

06-10-2004 17:24:49

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ? in reply to john in la, 06-10-2004 17:15:23

You don't get so old you don't get smarter, thanks for the info, couldn't remember been to long ago since I took that class. Probably the problem I ran into when I dealt with this before was low tank levels with moisture clinging to the tank sides causing corrosion, sorry, probably CRS.

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T_Bone

06-10-2004 14:05:51

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Hi Matt,

Depends on what your going to use the old diesel in. On the newer truck diesel engines, then 8yr old diesel would have a high sulfur content. The newer diesels require low sulfur fuel.

I would drain it then add it back at a 5% mix with new diesel until gone.

T_Bone

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rustyfarmall

06-10-2004 13:42:51

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Re: Does Diesel Fuel get old ???? in reply to Matt, 06-10-2004 12:55:15

Diesel does seem to have a longer shelf life than gasoline but I think 8 years might be pushing it a bit. If it were mine I would drain and flush the tank, it will be a lot easier to do it now than to address the problems which will creep up later caused by old fuel. Just my opinion.

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