Is my diesel still usable?

[nyone]

Currently burning home heating oil that I bought march of 2020. Its stored just like alot of fuel..in a 275gal tank outside and not covered.

My pump has a goldenrod filter with clear bowl..its clean and the tank is 1/2 used. I should run out of fuel in year 2031-2032.

 

[5030]

Talk about ancient diesel fuel, when they fired up the COD, which is permanently berthed in Cleveland, Ohio, they started the diesel engine on what was still left in the diesel tanks, left over from WW2. No issues other than filtering it. I have a good friend (submariner) who is a mate on the COD preservation committee. He said it still smelled like diesel exhaust.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Pour some in a clear glass container to look for water. I parked my 6.5 diesel pickup for three years while I was in Japan. That tank got lousy mileage but it ran fine.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

The oldest diesel I use was bought about 13 years ago.

A few years ago I learned about Star Tron, but while it works wonders on gas I can't really tell if there's a difference with the diesel version.

 

[CalG]

When I suspect water, I let the can sit for an hour or so (overnight even) Then, without too much agitation, I pout the lion's share off into the tractor. Holding back the last 1/2 gallon or so.

That remainder I pour out into a CLEAN drain pan. Looking for water. If I see any water at the bottom, I carefully tip off the clean fuel . When I call it good enough, the remainder goes into my "cleaning solvent" coffee can that is always out on the cleaning bench!

 

[BlueKnife]

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

It can last a lot longer than that. I've used diesel that was at least 3 years old. 6-8 months isn't an issue. If you're worried, use a couple gallons at a time mixed with fresh fuel.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I'm never worried about the age of diesel fuel. A bit of conditioner is never a bad idea and an algae preventative--due to quality control/contamination concerns can't hurt if it's really old. From what I gather from other diesel users (I've had no issues), algae seems to be a concern only with newer, low-sulfur fuel.

 

[Batesville Jim]

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

Same here. I’m still using a tank I had filled just after Covid started. Never a problem.

 

[Roadking52]

Ge some John Deere Diesel fuel conditioner and add to the fuel. I have used 3 year old fuel stored in an aluminum tank with no problem.

 

[workinonit]

Pour it into a filtration unit through a filter funnel and run it through 10 and 5 micron filters then a water separator. It shouldn't blow up your tractor. Or just just use it as is.

8 month old? I don't have any less than 2 years old.