What color is diesel fuel?

[Israelson]

Today I filled a fuel container with diesel fuel to be used for a fuel filter change and much to my surprise it was a very light almost clear color, I seem to remember from my childhood diesel fuel being a dark color. Could this fuel be the new reformulated diesel hitting the market in my area (Southern Calif. ) or is that what all diesel fuel looks like? I am new to diesel so please excuse my ignorance. Thanks Erik.

 

[Missouri Mule]

eisraelson,

Diesel fuel for over the road was green in color(dyed) I believe the color is being changed to darker color but not sure.



Diesel fuel that is red is for agriculture use only.



The color difference is so one can not run non taxalbe fuel on the highways and biways.

 

[illflem]

From http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/diesel/



The diesel fuel I bought recently has a darker color than I am used to seeing. Does this mean the fuel has gone bad?



The color of a diesel fuel is not related to its performance. As long as the fuel meets the specifications, it will perform well in your engine.

Diesel fuel can range from colorless to an amber or light brown color, depending on the crude oil and the refinery processing used to produce it. Diesel fuel may darken after months of storage, due to oxidation of trace components, but this will not affect its performance. However, if the darkening is accompanied by the formation of sediment, the fuel could plug filters.

 

[nickleinonen]

i've seen clear, red, blue, green, yellowish. if it smells like diesel, and came out of a diesel pump, it probably is diesel. you could always taste it to be sure :-laf