Diesel Fuel vs Bio Diesel Storage Life

super99 · Jul 31, 2017

I'm not trying to start World War 3, just looking for accurate information. I know some people have had problems with bio diesel, I haven't. On my small farm, I have 3 pre 1970 diesel tractors and a mid 70's diesel combine. I have used only bio diesel for the last 15 years with no problems. My operation is changing and I won't be using nearly as much fuel as before. Which will store longer in a overhead fuel barrel, regular diesel or bio? I need fuel and am thinking of telling them to fill me with regular diesel. I have a 300 gallon tank and I'm guessing I will still have fuel in it 2 1/2 or 3 years from now. Is there anything to add for long term storage? I'm in Western Illinois if that makes a difference. Thanks, Chris

gene bender · Jul 31, 2017

what does your supplier tell you they know their product better than posters on this site cause you will hear too many old wives tales here

rustred · Jul 31, 2017

yep, but the old regular diesel could sit for 10-20, years turn brown, smell funny and still fire , but this new garbage who knows?.

RedGreenGuy · Jul 31, 2017

I would add diesel stayble and a slime retardant. 3 yrs its gonna get bad and take on some moisture

Paul in MN · Jul 31, 2017

Not old wives tales here, just our experience. For long periods of storage, I'd go for the 100% diesel. We had storage problems with condensation of water, and then black algae growing in the bio diesel. We found that there were more problems with the bio-diesel made from animal fat waste, but have had much better service from the bio made from soy oil. We spent a lot of $$ on engine fuel filters, and even replaced a fuel tank on one of the tractors to get rid of the problem. If we were in a drier climate, our experiences might be different. Minnesota laws now require all diesel to be 10% bio, signs on the station pumps say 5% to 15%, and they make no guarantees about the fuel (at least at the B.P. stations). With the low sulfur regulations, the bio adds lubricity which the very low sulfur has eliminated. My son has done some research work for the University on bio diesel. We have run up to 100% bio in our equipment. It does soften some rubber pieces in the fuel system, but improved rubber products (maybe teflon lined?) seem to be able to function reliably.

Paul in MN

Russ from MN · Jul 31, 2017

There are biocides available to prevent algae growth, I use a little.

JD Seller · Jul 31, 2017

The Bio-diesel will not store that long without trouble. I would fill with 100% regular diesel and use a fuel treatment that has an algaecide in it. Then you should be good to go.

ss55 · Aug 1, 2017

What problems would be created if you reduced your fuel purchases to match your new annual fuel usage? If your new usage is say 100 gallons per year, could you store 100 gallons or less in your 300 gallon fuel tank without it taking in too much moisture? You could buy 100 gallons of fresh fuel every spring instead of 300 gallons every three years.

I would be concerned about the tractors and combines that use less than one tank of fuel per year. I like to keep fuel tanks full to reduce moisture condensation in fuel tanks, but you may be ahead to keep less than a full tank in each to keep the fuel fresher. You may need to drain the water out of each tank more often. If any of your diesels need to run in winter, would you be ahead to only put #1 diesel into the ones that need to start in in the dead of winter?

rustyfarmall · Aug 1, 2017

I have no real experience with bio-diesel, other than using it in my torpedo heater in the shop. I recently opened a 5 gallon container that I brought home at least 6 or 7 years ago. It is still looks, smells, and performs just the same as the day I bought it.

I've stored E-10 for up to 2 years in those same 5 gallon, plastic jugs. No problems at all.

ztrmowers · Aug 1, 2017

just go back to regular diesel and not worry about it then,just have watch winter use. i had always run diodiesel to but it got me one year 4440 set with it in for over year. it was a mess to get that back going.

Frank 41 · Aug 1, 2017

Some years past I was hauling beans and buying fuels from Hucks. I changes filters every other day. In my 830 and 435, I had the fuel turn to putty and used E85 and some MEK to get the tanks cleaned out. If you live in the south or run your truks ontinuselly with a fuel heater it might work. But, I am done with it.

Diesel Fuel vs Bio Diesel Storage Life

super99

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gene bender

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rustred

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RedGreenGuy

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Paul in MN

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Russ from MN

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JD Seller

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ss55

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rustyfarmall

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ztrmowers

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Frank 41

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