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Topic: old diesel fuel (Read 604 times) previous topic - next topic

old diesel fuel

What do you add to diesel fuel whenit is old?  My husband added something to it once because the coach sat for a while.
Rod O.
1992 U300 40'

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #1
There are additives that prolong the storage life of diesel, but they must be added before you store it.

Not sure what you can add to "restore" it after the fact.

How old is it?
Has it been stored with the tank full (to minimize condensation)?
Does it still smell like diesel?  If not don't use it-- diesel injection pumps and injectors are expensive!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #2
It's been about 10 months.  Haven't smelled it yet.  Does it smell like normal gas?  Sorry' but my husband passed away and I need to get it to Motorhomes of Texas tomorrow.
Rod O.
1992 U300 40'

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #3
I don't think 10 months is "too old", but Brett W. may know specifics.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #4
Drive it. My sailboat used diesel waaay older than that.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #5
If you find you need help with it, you can either post where you are, or PM (private message) someone in the same city.

Many of us would be happy to help.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #6
1 year old diesel fuel is as good as what you buy today, when it has sat 10 years, then you think about the issue.
Relax
Dave M

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #7
Thank you everyone!  I feel much better about getting out tomorrow and driving it again.  I miss it!  :)
Rod O.
1992 U300 40'

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #8
Those additives are to prevent any possibility of algae growth plus add stability to ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. The ULSD with 15 ppm sulphur will only remain within specifications for 3 to 6 months. Does not mean that it won't work but the emissions will be higher because of the ingredients used to replace the sulphur have a short life.

I have used 20 year plus old diesel and the engine ran OK. The bunker oil used in diesel engines in big ships is not that much different than some really high grade crude oil that has been in the ground for millions of years.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: old diesel fuel

Reply #9
If you find you need help with it, you can either post where you are, or PM (private message) someone in the same city.

Many of us would be happy to help.

+1

If I recall, YO is in the Houston area. 

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320