How long can diesel be stored?

[DPelletier]

I may have access to 500 gallons of diesel that has been sitting in a storage tank for 4-5 years. I'm assuming that some sort of anti-bacterial agent was used as this was for an emergency generator. I'm wondering your thoughts on whether or not this fuel would still be useable (for offroad use only, of course).



Dave

 

[JFaughn]

The biggest part is how it was stored , what size tank - for long term storage the less air space the longer it will go , under a roof + , behind walls under a roof ++ , in a heated space +++ , do you know that it has red dye in it [ off road ] ?
run it through a small micron filter , 5 not bad , 2 better , sub micron best .
Stored fuel can be ruined in a few mths or last under good conditions for yrs , but it like , when do I change my oil , the only real answer is testing .
Pour some into clear glass container & take a look , get some off the bottom & from the top [ in separate containers ]

 

[DPelletier]

Thanks,



Makes sence. It is a full or nearly full 500 gallon tank below grade. The tank is in good shape as it was new 5 years ago. This is for a diesel emergency generator and they simply feel it's time to swap out the diesel for new stuff and I hate to see it go to waste. Testing is probably the only way to be sure.



Dave

 

[JFaughn]

If I was closer I could help test , look in jar , pour in tank .

 

[The patriot]

I'd pump some out, see how it looked.

If it wasnt cloudy, merky etc..... burn it.

Watch it close to the bottom of the tank. If it's contaminated, that's where it would be.

I've removed countless numbers of gallons w/o problems.

Use a good conditioner (and of course a filter before pumping in your fuel tank) and you should be GTG.

Free fuel IS the best fuel!