Is my diesel still usable?

   / Is my diesel still usable? #1  

future_vision

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2022
Messages
404
Location
New England
Tractor
DK6010SE HSA
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
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #3  
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
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #4  
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
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #5  
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.
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #7  
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.
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #9  
also use a good water/particulate trapping funnel like Mr Funnel to collect any condensation
 
   / Is my diesel still usable? #10  
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.
 

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