Old Fuel usage

MH · Jul 10, 2008

Okay, we have a tank of diesel fuel (probably 200 gallons +/-) that is around twenty years old. Grandad used to farm, he passed away & the pump on the tank went bad and we started buying our fuel in 5 gal. cans (up until two years ago).
Well now I need to refill our current tank. The point is, I was thinking about using it. Gonna make some calls today & try to find someone to test it. Any other suggestions???

Janicholson · Jul 10, 2008

If it is clean and sweet smalling, I would use it as a blend with a max of 25% old in new. Filter the entire batch to assure it is not contaminated with dirt, rust, or water.
If it is discolored, or smells way different, I would find a recycler willing to take it. JimN

rustyfarmall · Jul 10, 2008

Diesel fuel does have a relatively long life, but 20 years might be pushing it a bit.

A few years ago I removed a furnace oil tank from my basement. That tank had not been used for at least 15 years, and still had about 10 gallons in it which I had to drain out. What came out of that tank was pretty nasty looking. I mixed it with 2,4,D and used it to kill weeds.

The tank itself is now being used to store diesel that I use in my torpedoe heater. No problems.

Allan in NE · Jul 10, 2008

Put a new outlet filter on the supply tank and use it. You could cut it with some new if you are really nervous about it (I wouldn't).

Darned stuff laid underground for millions and millions of years. :>)

Allan

RobMD · Jul 10, 2008

Put some algae eliminator in the tank - available at auto centers.

Run another new filter inline with the tank pump or whatever you got on there, and chug away. At $5.00 a gallon, you DANG better use it.

Nikolas Britton · Jul 10, 2008

First, filter the crap out of it, it's going to have rust particles in it from the tank.

2nd, mix in maybe 10 gallons of gas, kerosene, or some other additive to rejuvenate it. i.e. water condensation, gelling, etc.

Lastly, I would blend it with new diesel, perhaps 50:50%.

If all else fails you can still use it in a waste oil furnace.

Bill(Wis) · Jul 10, 2008

Use a new water separating filter and inspect a few gallons of it by using clean, clear glass gallon jugs. My guess is that it will be just fine. That's always been my experience.

Old Fuel usage

MH

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Janicholson

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rustyfarmall

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Allan in NE

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RobMD

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Nikolas Britton

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Bill(Wis)

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