Old diesel in a seldom used tractor

[seapea]

Hello,

I have a 6 year old Kubota B2620. My usage has dropped off since I first purchased it, and it now takes 2+ years to go through a full tank of gas. I was wondering what would be the best approach to adding new fuel given my light usage. Should I keep it topped off after each use, or try to plan on leaving it close to empty after use, and on next use just purchase and add the amount of fuel I think I'll need. I live in CA, so humidity is very low here. I also keep it garaged and it's never used in wet conditions. Thus moisture in the tank should not be a problem. Right now I'm nearing the end of a tank I'm pretty sure I filled up at least two years ago, and it seems to be running fine.

thanks,

Chris

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would compromise and keep it maybe 3/4 full, since moisture isn't an issue. Possibly put in conditioner, something with a lubricant for your injector pump. Since you use so little, cost won't be an issue. I would make sure that there is no Bio Diesel in there.

Not sure where you are, but if the Big One Hits, you may well need it to get out of town! Keep it fueled up with battery charged!

 

[seapea]

I would compromise and keep it maybe 3/4 full, since moisture isn't an issue. Possibly put in conditioner, something with a lubricant for your injector pump. Since you use so little, cost won't be an issue. I would make sure that there is no Bio Diesel in there.

Any recommendations on which conditioner I should use, preferably something my local autoparts store or TSC would stock.

Not sure where you are, but if the Big One Hits, you may well need it to get out of town! Keep it fueled up with battery charged!

Isn't that what cars are for?

Actually a tractor could be useful during an earthquake disaster for removing rubble. If anything I should probably just keep a 5g gas container full, although I suppose I would need to find a way to dispose of it every 2 or 3 years. Would be easier if I had a diesel car I could dump it in every year.

 

[murphy1244]

Power service white bottle. 1 glug per gallon.

 

[seapea]

Power service white bottle. 1 glug per gallon.

The white bottle seems to be for cold weather. Don't really need that here. There is a silver bottle called "Power Service 03016-09 +Cetane Boost Diesel Kleen Fuel Additive". Is that what I need?

Chris

 

[cartod]

Yes, diesel loves Cetane. I would do my best to drive it once a month.

 

[seapea]

Yes, diesel loves Cetane. I would do my best to drive it once a month.

I try to at least fire it up every month or two for a few minutes, but not enough to put a dent in the gas usage. Unless I'm running full throttle (such as when tilling), it seems to barely use any fuel. I've had it out quite a bit the past week moving about 35 yards of wood chips I had a tree service dump. I've probably used it about 8 hours (maybe 2.5 hours on the odometer), and it's gone from about 1/8th full to just a bit below E. I keep checking the tank to see if it's close to empty since it I want it nearly empty before adding fresh fuel, but the level never seems to budge.

 

[Raspy]

Seapea,

You said "tank of gas", but I think you meant tank of diesel.

The diesel won't go bad, but algae could contaminate it, so leave the tank full. This makes it breath less and accumulate moisture less. The algae needs moisture. Add a little biocide to stop the algae that might already be there.

Cetane does nothing for an an engine that is just sitting. It seems you are more concerned about the effects of not being used.

If you do run it occasionally, get it up to full operating temperature for a while or you may be doing more harm than good. If it doesn't get fully warmed up it can accumulate water in the oil and corrosion in other places.

 

[seapea]

Yes, I meant diesel.

So I should use a biocide to prevent algae. I see Power Service 09016-09 Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide on Amazon. I assume that should suffice. Wish it came in smaller quantities.

Should I also add a fuel stabilizer to prevent any water build up, such as Sta-Bil 22254 Diesel Formula Fuel Stabilizer and Performance Improver?

And lastly, is there still a reason to add Power Service 03016-09 +Cetane Boost Diesel Kleen Fuel Additive. Sounds like it's unrelated to either of the above products, and helps improve diesel performance.

thanks,

Chris

 

[ovrszd]

Yes, use biocide. If you get an algae started you will not like it.

Yes, use a stabilizer. It'll control moisture and help retain cetane.

No, you don't need a cetane booster.