Oil & Fuel HELP - Diesel Drain or not (Sta-Bil)

[bes06]

My neighbor got me feeling guilty that I hadn't been adding a stabilizer to my deisel fuel so I went out and bought Sta-bil (red fluid in plastic bottle). I added it to all by gas engines and didn't think it would hurt to add the appropriate amount that went with 5 gallons of diesel to my tractor. I mixed it in the diesel can and poured into tractor to get a full tank. I went to my small engine repair class and he said you don't add that to diesel. Should I drain it out now or will the one mixing not hurt it? How is the best way to drain it? I can't seem to locate the manual right now. Is there a drain plug below somewhere for easy draining? Thoughts/advice from smarter, knowledgeable, tractor folks would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[actionaj]

I wouldn't think that it would hurt anything I would just run it. Isn't it 2.5oz. of Stable to 5gal. of gas. That little bit shouldn't hurt a thing. Just top the tank off with diesel.

 

[FrogLick]

Did the small engine "professor" say why Sta-Bil shouldn't be added to diesel? My bottle of Sta-Bil also says it can be used in diesel and I can't imagine that the very low concentration in a tank of diesel would hurt anything. Personally I use Sta-Bil for gasoline and Power Service for my diesel.

 

[LBrown59]

Did the small engine "professor" say why Sta-Bil shouldn't be added to diesel? My bottle of Sta-Bil also says it can be used in diesel and I can't imagine that the very low concentration in a tank of diesel would hurt anything. Personally I use Sta-Bil for gasoline and Power Service for my diesel.

Same here

 

[JohnDeere4300]

On the back of my bottle it says for all Gas and Diesel engines.

 

[Ace3]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just run it.

 

[Ace3]

By the way ... welcome to TBN!

 

[nh DRAGON]

Run it! 10 to 1 you will not notice a thing!

 

[redharley]

no problem just run it bottle says for gas or diesel.if your looking for cold weather protection I'd go with a diesel additive like Howe's or your favorite next time

 

[bes06]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. The bottle I have is clear with a red fluid in it. It does not mention diesel. I will take your advice and run it until it is gone and not make that mistake again. Thanks again.

 

[john_bud]

Diesel is less volatile than gasoline and does not usually NEED it. No harm adding it. I do.

jb

 

[smfcpacfp]

If you are really worried, add a bit more diesel as you use up the existing fuel to thin it out a bit.

 

[techman]

As stated, diesel is very stable over time and usually does not need any additives. The two issues that can occur is water and biologicals. Water can start to accumulate due to condensate in the tank from weather changes. A bit of moisture can enter through the breather and later condense in the fuel. This will eventually create a small puddle in the tank. This is generally separated by the fuel filter. However the accumulation of water in the tractor's tank would take a very long time (years) if the cap is not opened. Not a worry.

With long term diesel storage the biggest factor is biologicals (fungus and bacteria) growing in the fuel. Again a very long term matter, and normally when the tank is vented to atmosphere. This usually occurs in tanks for standby generators that can sit for years. There are additives to combat the growth, but again I would not be concerned.

If you are just worrying about a season of non use, just keep the cap tightly closed. A full tank will also limit the volume of air which can introduce a bit of moisture.

paul

 

[RobJ]

Personally I would feel guilty putting any of this crap in my fuel. IMO it's a waste of good money. If something is going to sit that long, drain the tank and run it dry. Put that gas in the car. If something is going to sit longer, don't buy it...rent it next time!

My L has a water separator, in 3 years, generally only used every other weekend after sitting in a garage, I think I've gotten a teaspoon of water. My filter has a clear bowl so I can see the water.

 

[jimainiac]

Like others have said, no harm done, but I you'll get better results with a product specially made for diesels, like Power Service. You problably don't get cold enough to need the anti-gelling properties, but absorbing moisture and boosting the C-tane rating are good reasons for using it. Plenty of people will debate the usefullness of these products, but it gives me more peace of mind to use them. Guess that's worth something...

 

[Charlton John]

I have used Sta-bil in both tractors I have owned and it gets mighty cold here and I have never gelled or had any problems.