Shelf life of diesel?

dgeist · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 2:50 pm

So, I have this 5gal container with diesel in it (or it might be B20...not sure) that I've had in my garage for a couple years. Actually it moved with me between houses, so it's only been in the current garage for a year. Anyway, I'd like to use it, but I don't know if it has a finite shelf life similar to gasoline. If so, what would that be and is there anything I can do to check/stabilize/filter it so I an at least use SOME of it? I hate to have to find a place to dump 5 gallons of fuel.

Dan

thermorex · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 3:02 pm

I have some diesel that's 3+ years old. I didn't use that in crd, but I use it in the diesel generator. The generator doesn't run smooth, and I had to use some lubro moly super diesel additive (from napa). So yes, diesel has a shelve life, better than gasoline, but it's probably 1-2 years. If you mix that diesel in a full tank on crd, and put a can of that additive, I think you're good, but running just that, may be a problem. Anyways, keep it, it's good to start a fire if you have a wooden stove or for some charcoal bbq.

jeepdan · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 3:55 pm

I have been using 6 year old fuel oil in my Kubota tractor, out of my old, 250 gallon home heating oil tank (we heat with wood)
I did put an algaecide in the fuel about four years ago. And, I haven't found much, if any water from the storage tank drain.
Whenever I fuel the tractor, I still put some Klean Diesel in the can.
The tractor runs fine.
Although not legal, I still wouldn't use it in the Liberty.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 4:02 pm

Answers appear to be all over the map but apparently up to 2 years is ok perhaps shorter perhaps longer. In reality diesel does not have the volatile fractions that evaporate fast and cause gasoline to go bad rather more quickly. What seems to impact stored diesel more, especially low sulfur, is "stuff" growing in it.

My thought or advice would be to not try to use it all at once rather mix it in with a much larger quantity of good fuel as follows - 1) decant 1 gallon into a clean container by pouring it thru a filter medium which can be as simple as cheese cloth layers as you are doing this just to catch large stuff and visually inspect for contamination, if the fuel is clean then; 2) drive to the fueling facility; 3) pour the decanted fuel into your tank; and 4) fill the tank from the pump.

jeepdan · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 4:56 pm

Yea, algae can plug filters in a hurry.
Here is a link, that shows how to look for darkening of the fuel.
http://criticalfueltech.com/faq.html

dgeist · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:23 pm

Thanks, all. It's in a yellow plastic (CARB) container, so a bright light in the spout would probably let me spot anything chunky. I'll filter it through some cloth into a clear container and inspect first then add some powerservice on the next tank-full. Now, how to account for 5 gals extra in fuelly :wink:

Dan

geordi · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:25 pm

I've never had a problem with old diesel, and I certainly hope I don't have one in the future!

My new (to me) RV has a 100 gallon tank that (because of a bad fuel level sender) is topped to the lip. That fuel is fresh, but I can't imagine driving this thing enough anytime soon to use all that. I'm probably going to have to devise a way to off-load all that fuel into my generator or car just to ensure it stays clean.

The generator has about a 68 gallon capacity, and that also isn't the oldest fuel, but it also doesn't have a lot scheduled in the near future either.

Honestly, a filter is a cheap cost versus worrying about draining and burning up questionable fuel, but I've had a couple bottles of biodiesel in a garage in Florida from about 10 years ago now when I made my own - they are still beautifully clean and clear. I'd say burn it and don't look back.

racertracer · **Posted:** Sun Jul 27, 2014 10:40 pm

Add some Power Service and mix it, let it sit over night. The red bottle.

Shelf life of diesel?

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