Does diesel go off?

[stuart23]

In case we run out, I've had a jerry can full of diesel in my engine bay for several years ..Does diesel go off? If so , is there any way of telling whether it's usable or not?

[dor]

Diesel doesn't go off like petrol does, as long as it is in a sealed container. If you are concenred, tip in the tank next time you fill up so it is diluted with fresh fuel, then fill up the jerry again.

[DandV]

Marine/industrial diesel engines are generally quite tolerant of the fuel used but intolerant of water and particulate matter, including rust and diesel bug both alive and dead. Fuel stored in a can for long periods may contain the above but it should be concentrated in the bottom of the can. From my oil company experience I would advise that you leave the can upright for a few hours before carefully decanting the fuel through a filter such as a nylon stocking. into your fuel tank immediately prior to a refuel, and not before any critical passage. Discard any dregs showing particular matter and the extreme bottom of the can. Flush the can with half a cup of diesel shake well and discard before refilling the can. It is good practice to use and replace standby fuel at least every 2 years. It was always an issue for standby generators that unless the operator had a regular test run to maintain fuel turnover that the generator could fail because of fuel contamination just when needed.

 

Cheers Don

[Cinimod]

intolerant of water and particulate matter

 

I have heard this too - and remember that when we were getting ready to go out after having sat on a mooring all winter, we were advised to add something to the fuel just in case there had been any condensation in the tank and water had gotten into the fuel... I am sorry but I am not sure what it was tho

[WotEver]

... we were advised to add something to the fuel just in case there had been any condensation in the tank and water had gotten into the fuel... I am sorry but I am not sure what it was tho

Probably FuelSet

 

Tony

 

Or maybe Marine 16

 

Some good info: http://www.marine16.co.uk/acatalog/diesel_bug_pbo_test.pdf

[jake_crew]

Modern diesel fuel is a mixture of mineral diesel and bio-diesel (even if it doesn't have to say so at less than 5%). Bio is very prone "the bug" growing, so after many months, you might have some sludge.

 

Probably best to keep your Jerry can supply in regular rotation use.