Diesel Fuel Question

[Nickaru]

Long ago, I worked for a Volkswagen dealer just out of school. I worked on the Diesel Rabbits and found out about the problems that come with Diesel fuel. We used to get lots of customers in with algae in the tank. I was told this was from sitting too long, warm weather and water in the tank from condensation.

When I purchased my Dodge CTD, it was going to be our tow vehicle. It sits alot since I have a company vehicle I get to take it home and the Dodge waits around to tow our trailer or anything else that needs towing. It gets driven on short trips around town about every two weeks. I'm concerned about the Diesel fuel problems I have seen in the past. I live in a dry desert environment that gets hot in the summer (105) and somewhat cold in the winter (15 degrees).



Should I be using a fuel conditioner?

How long does it take for Diesel to go bad in my kind of conditions?

(Sorry for the long post. ) Thanks.

 

[D6Diesel]

I would use a fuel additive in each fillup. The kind of additive would depend on the time of year. Check with the fuel additive supplier regarding algae growth.

 

[illflem]

Parking it with a full tank from a good source will help a lot to prevent condensation. I have several diesel tractors that are parked six months a year and have never had a problem. I do use an anti-gel additive just in case the tractor is needed in cold weather but have even gotten by without this. I also live in a dry climate. Most additives don't contain biocide, it is much more expendsive, I don't feel you need it unless you have had an algae problem.

 

[DocStressor]

I'll second Illflem's advice: Don't worry about bugs if you live in a dry climate. They need both high temperature and high humidity to get started and those conditions just don't happen at the same time where you live. You should use an additive containing an oxidation inhibitor if you fill up less than once a month. Chemical fuel degradation would be more of a concern in your area than biological problems.

 

[Blakers]

I live in northeast Ohio where we get lots of rain, snow, humidity, very cold and quite hot. I had diesels around all my life (dozens) - trucks, tractors, cars and have NEVER had an algae or bacteria problem.



I have a 1967 Mercedes 200D that I parked in 1988 due to rust. It has the same fuel in it that was in it in 1988 and it starts right up and runs fine every year. I let it run a half hour or so every year just to keep it running.



Blake

 

[Grey Wolf]

I haven't had the bug problem with this truck but I have seen it in the past, but that was about 15 yrs ago and I lived in the SF Valley!