Does diesel fuel ever go bad........??

[JGheen]

Just wondering what the "shelf life" of diesel fuel is and if it ever requires a fuel stabilizer when sitting for long periods of time? I will not be driving my truck for at least a good 2-3 months and I just so happen to fill the tank up right before this down time, so I am curious if I should just let it be and it will be fine or should I grab some Lucas fuel stabilizer for example for this long down time?



Also do any of you guys do anything in particular when your engine has sat for a long time before running again? Maybe pull the valve covers and wet the valve train down with some fresh oil before start-up??



Thanks, Joe

 

[Nate]

I don't think it's an issue really.



My parents heat their house with wood, and have an oil furnance as a back up. Well the tank is about 250 gallons or so, and they fill it up maybe once every 3-4 years. Never had a problem with the fuel in there.

 

[bmoeller]

We don't do anything special for our farm equipment (like the combine). The combine is only used for 6-8 weeks a year. Never an issue.



Would suggest disconnecting the shutdown solenoid, and spin the engine a bit to "prelube" the engine and turbo.

 

[The patriot]

The only thing that would be an issue is if moisture could get into it.

Otherwise it'll last a LONG time.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Most additives contain anti-microbial ingredients that kills that crud. So if your already running additives your good to go. Keeping your tank topped is a good idea, help keep moisture from building up which helps microbial growth.



As for pre-oiling before you restart, pouring oil over the valves doesn't do much. All you are doing is coating the outside. You need oil to be pumped into the bearings (connecting rods, mains ect). Any part of the engine that is a high stress area has oil ported to it. Other areas that get splashed with oil will be fine for the few moments at start up idle speeds until oil is slung onto those components. If you are going to keep putting your truck to bed time and time again I'd invest in a pre-oiler system.



But if your like most people and plan on selling the truck long before the engine gives up the ghost your just wasting your money on a pre-oiler. Now if you want to drive it till the very end... ... ...

 

[OKish]

my d250 sat for 8 years and it fired right up after i drained the fuel finter and added that anti mildew stuff to the fuel and 1 gallon of powerservice.

 

[JGheen]

Thanks guys, sounds like I should be fine for a fall shutdown/upgrade period .



Joe