Storing diesel

scottbombedout · 12-05-2012, 06:11 AM

Whats the longest you can store diesel for?

Do you have to add anything to it for storing long term?

Laneco · 12-05-2012, 06:16 AM

We had quite an issue with our diesel truck a few years ago. We picked up some contaminated fuel, probably just a minor contamination, and then didn't use the truck for about 8 or 9 months. Kind of a small storage thing.

Well the fuel had an algae contamination which bloomed spectacularly. We went round and round on this one with new fuel filters (like every 70 or 80 miles), etc., until we dropped and thoroughly cleaned the tanks. Treated everything with algaecide - got the product at a truck stop. After a couple more fuel filters we solved the issue. This was a HUGE pain in the hiney. The truck would literally quit running from fuel starvation when the filter plugged up.

I'm sure others will chime in, but if it were my vehicle, I would definately treat the fuel with the diesel algaecide. Because once it is contaminated, it continues to get worse...

Good spot to ask questions locally for fuel storage for diesel is your local farm supply.

angela

Seahawk · 12-05-2012, 06:20 AM

Stabil sells a diesel additive similar to the gas Stabil. I use it in all my tractors and stored fuel.

I also use an additive that helps with water in the system.

Diesel Fuel Additives - Stanadyne

Not affiliated with them at all.

M.D. Holloway · 12-05-2012, 07:40 AM

Scott,
I have something we produce that will help you. Shoot me a PM and I shall look to hook you up.

Seahawk · 12-05-2012, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

Scott,
I have something we produce that will help you. Shoot me a PM and I shall look to hook you up.

What about me!?!

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Star-tron fuel treatment works pretty well to eliminate algae in diesel.

BlueSkyJaunte · 12-05-2012, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

What about me!?!

I don't think he likes you?

M.D. Holloway · 12-05-2012, 08:09 AM

Paul, I gots all sorts of love for you brotha! I'll hook you up - send me a PM with the ship adress and how many gallons you treat.

Dan, unless you got bigs I would stronly suggest that you do not treat with a biocide! There have been reported cases where thet bugs have gotten resistant to the biocides and nothing short of hyperchlorates will kill them - not a good option.

Rikao4 · 12-05-2012, 08:11 AM

Lubey has been known to accept items in exchange.....
a Hairbrush .
is mentioned often & brings fond memories it seems...

Rika

vonsmog · 12-05-2012, 08:29 AM

Lubey, Got anything that works with Biodiesel? I started making it a few months ago in 25 gallon batches. I only have about 50 gallons on hand at a time, since my son has a Mercedes 300D. And we all know how college kids are, when it comes to free fuel! Since we have this thing up here called winter, I am cutting the biodiesel with dino diesel at a 75% bio / 25% dino with anti gelling added as well.

gtc · gtc's Garage

We recommend a max of 1 year storage for distillate diesel... 6 months or less for biodiesel, especially with higher bio content.
That is also assuming you drain the water and have the fuel tested every three months, which most people don't do at home.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

Snipped....

Dan, unless you got bigs I would stronly suggest that you do not treat with a biocide! There have been reported cases where thet bugs have gotten resistant to the biocides and nothing short of hyperchlorates will kill them - not a good option.

I didn't know that!
Thanks for the information!

M.D. Holloway · 12-05-2012, 01:20 PM

Yes! I do have stuff for FAMES (biodiesel) - the issues are different. They are very susceptable to oxidation as well as biologicals. Cetane and lubricity are not as big a concern with them. They will tend to swell if not dissolve some types of rubber and coatings and glues though and there is nothing you can do about that unfortunitly. Let me know.

M.D. Holloway · 12-05-2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtc

We recommend a max of 1 year storage for distillate diesel... 6 months or less for biodiesel, especially with higher bio content.
That is also assuming you drain the water and have the fuel tested every three months, which most people don't do at home.

After 27 days from the time of refining, at 75F oxidation begins at a rate of 1-3% monthly for ULSD. Three different studies were performed on this, FAMEs are far worse.

scottbombedout · 12-05-2012, 02:19 PM

Wow what great answers. Stuff I never even thought of.

I actually thought diesel would last for years

Not that I'm doomsday prepping or anything