Is my diesel still usable?

[future_vision]

I found out, this weekend, that I left a couple of the plastic gas cans on my property, filled with diesel. They had the caps on and were under a tarp but I am concerned for 2 reasons.

1. The diesel is probably somewhere between 6-8 months old
2. Could it be contaminated with water in those conditions?

From what I read, diesel can last 6-12 months IF stored properly. I suspect the way mine was 'stored' does not qualify. If it is still potentially usable should I treat it with something that will disperse the water? I found this product Diesel Force Comprehensive Maintenance System

 

[HamishMacCheap]

If the cans were capped and under a tarp, it seems quite probable that water did not get into the cans.

8 month old diesel is still good, I personally would use it without great concerns.

 

[MH8675309]

If youre worried about it mix it 50-50 with fresh diesel. The modern gas is supposed to have a shelf life too and I just mix fresh gas in with it with no issue

 

[sandman2234]

If there are no signs of algae growing in the fuel, I would not hestitate to use it. I am currently running fuel in a diesel tractor that I loaded up from out in the middle of the field where the tractor sat for a minimum of 5 years. It was clear, didn't have any algae growing, and I had already gotten it running on that fuel before I even thought that I should have changed it out. That was a year ago, and since I don't run that tractor much, it is still on that tank. I pulled that tractor out last week just to drive it around and my Bride made the comment "I didn't even know that tractor ran"!!! which shows you how much it gets used.
David from jax

 

[RjCorazza]

Properly stored diesel lasts A LOT longer than 6-8 months! I currently have a drum of 5 year old diesel that I will use up this year in my diesel mowers. I store 55 gallons specifically for long term power outages in a full sealed drum in a small shed.
If there is any chance of water contamination, I would pour the fuel through a water blocking filter like a Mr Funnel.

 

[RandyT]

I normally have 250 gallon of red dyed diesel delivered when I need diesel. That will normally take me 4 years to use. I am not scared of using it even after that time

 

[RobertEH]

Regarding water, I would think you would be able to see the water rolling around on the bottom of the can if you were to shine a light in there.

 

[dodge man]

If you were close I’d take it off your hands and even wave the hazardous waste fee I normally charge.

 

[big bubba]

also use a good water/particulate trapping funnel like Mr Funnel to collect any condensation

 

[5030]

Corn squeezed gas is always a concern. Diesel isn't. run it through a Mr. Funnel and call it good and if you are really worried, add a bit of Powerservice Bio-Kleen.