I was down at my parent's house looking around today, and one I checked was the oil tanks for my father's workshop and the greenhouse, neither of which has even had power for about 10 years. The shop/garage tank is outside, the greenhouse tank is inside. Between the two of them there is about 200 gallons of heating oil of unknown vintage. I am trying to get power turned on at the shop, when/if that happens I will have someone come in and clean the Miller furnace so that I can have a warm dry place to work on things when I am down that way.
How long will heating oil last?
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iflywhatevr
Silver Member
Run it through a good filter 10 microns or better as long as you get the water and any gunk/particulates out and any algae you should be good.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
I'm running a dodge/Cummins pu right now, with 12 or 13 year old fuel, it's running perfectly...
SR
SR
bironacad
Platinum Member
Well diesel fuel and heating fuel are similar. Several things happen to fuel oil that sits for a long time, gelling, condensation and now with bio fuel added in, fungus growth. All or non of this can happen. There are additives that can be used, check out some heating discussion forums. I would suggest that your shop heater will need a service too so why not get in the local oil guy for a cleaning and service and ask what he suggests. Additives and a good filter and see what happens? know I would not put it in my tractor lol
^^^^
I already have contacted an oil burner repairman, I just wanted to ask about the fuel. I contacted the power company on April third about having the power turned on but the electrician still hasn't gotten around to putting in the upgraded service panel and meter socket. In hindsight I shouldn't have tried to keep family happy by depending on their friends.
Oil that old won't have biofuels, so I do have that going for me.
I already have contacted an oil burner repairman, I just wanted to ask about the fuel. I contacted the power company on April third about having the power turned on but the electrician still hasn't gotten around to putting in the upgraded service panel and meter socket. In hindsight I shouldn't have tried to keep family happy by depending on their friends.
Oil that old won't have biofuels, so I do have that going for me.
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fried1765
Super Star Member
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There is diesel fuel stored in 55 gal. drums at places around the world that is much older than 10 years,....and it gets used whenever needed.
LD48750
Veteran Member
While I agree there *Could* be some condensation he might have to deal with.
ALL the water WILL be on the bottom of the tanks.
Open the outlet where the fuel comes out & when you get fuel instead of water....you're good to go.
I know I wouldn't hesitate to put that fuel in my truck or my tractor or burn it in a furnace.
CobyRupert
Super Member
I burn wood primarily, but have fuel oil as backup. I filled the tanks somewhere around 1995.
Fuel has been fine.
A couple years ago I saw the tanks were down near 1/2 full so I topped them off. All’s fine.
The filters on the tank got replaced for first time 2 years ago....unnecessarily.
Results may vary.
Fuel has been fine.
A couple years ago I saw the tanks were down near 1/2 full so I topped them off. All’s fine.
The filters on the tank got replaced for first time 2 years ago....unnecessarily.
Results may vary.
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Thanks for the replies. It sounds like the first thing that I need to do is get some of this; Gasoila All Purpose Water Finding Paste, 2 oz. Tube at Tractor Supply Co..
LD48750
Veteran Member
I wouldn't bother, just drain some fuel off the bottom of the tank into a clear glass & if you have water you will SEE it.
Then just drain until you get fuel & you're god to go.
Oil floats on water, it doesn't mix.
Actually, you should have a filter on the tanks. They act as a water separator. Change it.