5 year old diesel

Jan 25, 2009 15 Replies

I've 2 gallons of diesel in a proper plastic container that I bought before a holiday 5 years or so ago. Never used it and I'd like to get rid of it. Any reason why I shouldn't use it in the car? Does diesel go 'off' in any way over time. I'd fill in via a funnel with a strainer in it.



Just seems the easier way to dispose of it. And before anyone suggests it, I don't have any sheds or fences that need weatherproofing!



JC


it has been in a closed container and it will be fine, just pour it in.

Yup, it tends to absorb a little water, but that's what your fuel filter's for.

Oh yes, but only if that _closed_ container has been sat on concrete, like the rubber car battery!

Julian.

Only if he put the lid on:-) Assumption is the mother of something or other :-)

... A Pistons Um.....?

I've got too much time :-(

tom

Two gallons????? I live near Buncefield - people get panicky about lots of black smoke round here!

JC

I don't think it'll make as much smoke as Buncefield...

It doesn't go off anything like petrol does, but it can contain bacteria and other nasties - depending on how it's been kept. Also if you bought it before a summer holiday, it may be summer grade, so should we experience a cold snap, it'll wax in the tank...

If it were mine, I'd put some into the car when the tank was about half full. Maybe half a gallon. Repeat over the next three tanks of the stuff. Chances are you'll not notice anything untoward...

That's what I was thinking - dilute it down pretty well with fresh stuff.

JC

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember "Bald eagle" saying something like:

Diesel can go off with fungal/algal growth, but it's unlikely if the can has been stored in cool conditions. You'd probably be at more risk of contaminating your fuel tank through buying fuel from small petrol stations.

IIRC it can, but it needs moisture too. The growth is at the oil/water interface - that's certainly the case with Jet fuel in plane wings.

Julian.

Just keep it for degreasing in your parts washer or WHY. I use 28 second kerosene in my Machine Mart special but Diesel will do the job too.

Julian

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember "Julian" saying something like:

Yep. You can buy fuel biocide for longer term storage but I've never had to use it.

I was going to suggest putting some in then going to fill the tank, but the potential issue with this is that you'll be running on a strong mix of old diesel during the drive to the filling station...

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