Does Diesel fuel go bad like Gas over time??

[ccsial]

I have a 300 gallon diesel tank. I fill it about every 3 years with red diesel. That is how long it takes to use it up. I treat it with PS when I get it. I've been doing this for 30 years and have not had any problems yet.

 

[Highbeam]

Turns out 2-propanol is in fact the same thing as rubbing alcohol. So I say reply to you kensfm, read the label.

The amount of alcohol in stabil is unknown but I'd guess quite high.

 

[HGM]

WOW, I surely wouldnt recomend that, but if it works for you go for it. That would be a good advertisement for PS though /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. If you decied to do that period of time, I would of course recomend the additive but I would also keep a close eye on the cloudiness and color of the fuel, add a filter, and if possible add an agitator.

 

[ccsial]

I change the filter every year. It has always looked clear coming out. I have never noticed a slow down which would indicate the fiter is not getting plugged. The tank is tipped back a bit too. This may not be a good thing to do in every climate either.

 

[Diesel_Boy]

propanol is alcohol. there are many different kinds of alcohol. methanol is poisonous. ethanol is the kind we drink. isopropanol is rubbing alcohol.

 

[Highbeam]

"The bottle listed diesel fuel as a recommended application. I would do it though." This is a quote from my above post. I meant to say that I would NOT use sta-bil in my diesel.

Alcohol bonds with water to make it combustible. Products the HEET are nearly 100% methanol to get this done. I would worry that any product claiming to dry the fuel of water does so by using alcohol. The good news is that water should settle out and can be removed.

 

[arthr31]

OK, on this topic, I have the opportunity to get a 275 gallon fuel tank for free. Currently I use about 30-35 gallons of diesel (both truck and tractors) monthly. so, a tank like this will yield anywhere between 7 to 9 months of fuel for me. Is this OK, should I keep fuel around this long?

From what I've read here, seems like OK... Would you do it? Thanks. -art

 

[Highbeam]

Given your low usage I would be much more inclined to get one or two 55 gallon drums with pumps and cyle them out every couple of months. If you have trouble refilling them because you are a car driver or want this fuel in a super remote area then the big ol' 275 tank can be partially filled to keep it 6 months old at the max.

To answer your question.... nope. Go barrels.

 

[HGM]

I agree with the 55gal drums. If you were to go with the large tank, especially leaving it half full, you will have a moisture issue. Some guys have had better luck than others, if you do decide to go with this tank, keep it treated and put the best filter you can afford on it, try to inspect the fuel as you use it too. You dont want to put contaminated fuel in your tank.

 

[arthr31]

thanks, guys...