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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Question on age of diesel fuel....

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Dan Swanson

05-10-2008 07:58:18




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I have access to a 300 gallon overhead tank that is stored inside an open ended building. It is full of #1 diesel that has been there since late 1999. Haven"t looked at it yet, but what are the chances this might still be good to use? How can a person test it to see if it is good other than looking at it? I know the diesel now days is different than the stuff 30 years ago, low ash and all. Does this affect the life too? Thanks, Dan

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flashback

05-10-2008 19:46:08




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
I agree with JDMaris. Put adequate algaecide in it a use a good grade od water filter and it will be good.When I was working in the oil and gas industry we commonly came upon old diesel fuel. We polished it ( means to run thru several filters until the filters are clear of black algae and then used it. Some was 20 years old.



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kyhayman

05-10-2008 15:42:57




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
I'd pull a sample and send it to a lab for analysis (I use the local Cat dealer).

With that said, a lot of fuel we use is very very old. Back in 2005 nearly all the off road fuel available (after Katrina) here was purchased by a couple of jobbers a few months before from military surplus that had been in storage since the 50's. I'm sure this isnt the only part of the world this happens.



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jdemaris

05-10-2008 11:09:03




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
I've used 20 year old diesel fuel and it worked just fine. Engine started just as good as if it would with new fuel. Even if it has algae - just put some biocide in it and filter it good.



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Walt davies

05-10-2008 10:49:29




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
It could be loaded with black algae if so its no good. Personally I would pass on fuel that old I have seen what it can do to a Cat during the last full shortage in the 80s.
Walt



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LenND

05-10-2008 09:11:42




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
I agree with casemand but I would take a sample from the upper portion, too. If that fuel has not been disturbed for nine? years the bottom fuel won't look very good probably be mostly water from condensation I would think. But then I've not been known as a thinker. lol



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Allan In NE

05-10-2008 09:08:33




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
It's good. Use it.

Allan



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Bob

05-10-2008 09:16:58




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Allan In NE, 05-10-2008 09:08:33  
Allen,

FWIW, I am dealing with a Chevy 90-Series diesel truck with #1 fuel in the tanks that has sat in a quonset for less time (5 or 6 years), and the %&#^ #1 fuel has rotted into a stinky mess that has corroded the tanks and stuck the plungers in the IP of the 3208 CAT. DARN!

That's why I definitely think he should take a good look at his old fuel, then treat it, then filter it before use. "Free" fuel is NOT a bargain, unless it's in GOOD condition.

I have a couple of tractors that have sat that long was well, with #2 fuel in them. The fuel LOOKS pretty good yet, but I am doing to drain it out, filter it, and put it in the shop furnace fuel tank, and put fesh fuel in the tractors before starting them.

The fuel in the truck was put in at the local Cenex the last time the truck was run. (NOT old fuel from a farm tank.) I wonder WHY that #1 deteriorated so badly, and the #2 in the tractors looks good yet???

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Bob

05-10-2008 08:44:25




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
Maybe put some diesel biocide in it, (following instructions on the product) and be SURE to use a GOOD filter on the tank to catch anything that results.



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caseman,2

05-10-2008 08:04:12




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 Re: Question on age of diesel fuel.... in reply to Dan Swanson, 05-10-2008 07:58:18  
Pull a sample from the bottom and if it is still clear, it will be ok. Diesel isn't like gasoline, it won't evaporate, but it can oxidize, this won't hurt it as long as it is clear.



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