Long term diesel fuel storage.

[DBoyd]

I have a couple of old restored diesel John Deere tractors that only run a couple of times a year. What is the best way to preserve the fuel in the tanks? Also, should I do as recommended in gasoline cars and keep the tanks full to prevent condensation? Luckily these tractors are in the Okla panhandle area where humidity is not much of a factor. Please advise.

Thanks.

 

[Koa Man]

I would keep the tank full and put in a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-Bil. Diesel fuel will actually keep for years if it is in an air tight container.

 

[rrausch]

I've used Stabil for years, I keep 5 gallon, Type 1 safety cans full of gas in my barn. I've stored gas over 2 1/2 years this way, and there is no noticeable deterioration. However, I have NO experience with storing diesel. Koa Man, are you sure about your statement? It seems to me that bacteria could grow in diesel if not treated.

 

[Koa Man]

I based my statement about diesel fuel keeping for years on statements and experiences of others more knowledgeable than I, that were made about this subject on the TDR forum. One member stated that he used diesel taken from a WWII ship that was in storage for over 30 years. I have personally used untreated diesel that was stored in a 30 gal. plastic drum for 1 year in my truck with no negative results. When I receive a load of diesel, it normally lasts me about 3 months. I was going to use Sta-Bil in it, but it would get too expensive. I treat all the gasoline I use in my small engine equipment, as I normally use my big chain saw (084 Stihl) only once every 2 months and sometimes not use it even for 6 months.

Also my emergency generator is only used once or twice a year.

 

[illflem]

I gave a 500 gallon diesel tank that had been sitting in my boneyard for eight years with about 100 gallons of fuel in it to a friend. I advised him to dump it but he used it anyway in his PSD and tractor, no problem. I also have several tractors and a combine that are only used a short period every year, I just park them with a full tank, nothing else, and have never had a problem. This is in the arid west though. I would use some fuel treatment with biocide if I was intentionally going to store the fuel for a long period. Cheap insurance.

 

[DBoyd]

Very good information and advice. Many thanks for your replies.

 

[rrausch]

Any recommendations for fuel treatments with biocide?



I use Stanadyne Lubricity Formula, for extra lube insurance, but have never tried their biocide formula.



Does Stabil provide biocide protection for diesel?

 

[illflem]

Sta-Bil isn't a biocide. My feeling is that it doesn't do anything for diesel fuel though it works great for gas. Decide for yourself http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/faqs.htm The word diesel only appears once on their site, everywhere else they speak of gas.

 

[Motorhead]

Algae eater

I use this stuff called "KILLEM" appropriately named. It is made by FPPF Chemical company out of Buffalo NY, 1-800-735-3773. I bought it from a fuel distributorship in San Luis Obispo, Ca. I have used it in a few MBZ's that I have. A 240D that I had was so bad that the algae was choking off the fuel screen in the tank. I usually add it in a tank of fuel before I change the filters. The stuff Is STINKY!... REAL STINKY!!! Like when something died! But it works. Chris