Oil & Fuel how long to store diesel?

[Gary Fowler]

I have heard of diesel tractors that sat with fuel in the tank for 30+ years and still fired up using that old fuel. Likely it didn't have the full power of fresh fuel, but diesel doesn't degrade nearly as fast as gasoline even without any treatment.

I keep my diesel tank inside my totally enclosed but unheated shed, not exposed to sunlight or fast temperature changes. I have never seen any condensation in the tank. Recently I put into service a 275 gallon tote tank for extra storage. When fuel prices bottom out, I plan to fill it and my 100 gallon steel tank completely with fuel. It should last me 3-4 years without any issues.

 

[radioman]

IMHO, I dont think anyone should store diesel more then what they can use in a year. For the amount of cost it takes to add additives, pumping, time, new filters due to plugged up from anything from gelling to algae to water. Its seems to be cheaper to use what you can in 6 months to a year. Why buy diesel that lasts you 2-5 years just to save cents to a dollar when you gotta worry about freshness and additives and filtering it. If I can predict the gas/diesel prices better then gas buddy- I would be storing up fuel too, but sadly I cannot. At this point of time, gas is still going down to hit rock bottom this year but how much will it rise before the of year which is the million dollar question.
Does anyone remember diesel was cheaper then gas? around here in NYS, diesel is still too high IMO - and I hope it will go down. I just dont understand why it takes less energy to make diesel - but it costs more then gas. dont give me the supply/demand bs .

So - as for me I am going to gamble and wait till spring/summer to stock up on diesel for 6-12 months in hopes the prices for diesel will keep dropping till then. I am a small diesel user so a 55 gallon barrel will suffice for me.

 

[BarnieTrk]

I have heard of diesel tractors that sat with fuel in the tank for 30+ years and still fired up using that old fuel.

I've heard the same stories as the one you stated above - BUT - those stories are of fuel that was produced 30yrs ago!

I understand I have no proof - but I am fully convinced that the producers do not make diesel fuel the same way nor does it result in the same blend of hydrocarbons as they did 30+yrs ago. I believe the producers intend for the fuels produced today to "be good" for a much shorter time. Even with the use of treatment additives, I believe they buy the consumer some time, but not years.

I'm in agreement with 'radioman'....and even if I had the means to store more, I would only store enough fuel to carry me for 6-12 months.

Beltzington & Gary Fowler - I wish you guys luck in your plans to have multiple years worth of fuel storage...... please keep us posted on your results.

"Your Mileage May Vary"
BarnieTrk :dance1:

 

[doxford jim]

I have a tank full of dyed diesel that is maybe 16 years old. It is the fuel supply to my standby/backup generator and is stored in a 250 gallon home oil furnace tank. I have topped the fuel off now and again using artic diesel (for -40 weather) and have added some treatment but not much.
The generator runs fine and starts easily with a good battery and doesn't smoke under load.
As long as the fuel storage tank is out of the weather and kept full, you should be fine with long term storage. I guess a lot depends also, on the fuel source - not every vender is clean or cares as they should.
Attached foto of my storage.

 

[Teikas Dad]

In addition to anti-gel and biocide -

 

[Texan4Life]

In addition to anti-gel and biocide -

View attachment 405213

Yep Sta-Bil for diesel and you will get over 10 years IMO.

I personally have run 1000 gallons of 12 year old untreated diesel with no problems other than needing to change the fuel filter a few times.

 

[Gary Fowler]

While you less than 6 month old storage guys were paying up to $4 per gallon, I was running just fine on my $2.68 per gallon diesel. I will get it cheaper than that when I fill up this time. I expect a strong surge in prices when this issue with Russia gets resolved and the artificial pricing goes away. The oil companies will make up for lost revenue when they can.

 

[Gary Fowler]

OH YEAH, in regard to fuel filters, I changed my Kubota B26 filter for the first time at a bit over 400 hours. I have 425 on my 2009 RTV on the original filter. I think I may change it next year just to have a look at what it has trapped. Fuel tank filter has been changed one time in 5 years and I don't think it really needed it then.

 

[BarnieTrk]

Another point worth repeating here -- Not all fuel is "created equal". I'm not referring to the Winter blend vs. Summer blend fuel. But based on what others have said, the available fuel on the east coast, west coast, southwest, Canada, etc. is NOT all created equal. The only explanation I can decipher is that apparently some fuel distributors add / request some additives to their fuel while others do not. Here are some of those observations: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/324983-favorite-diesel-fuel-additives.html :confused2:

You are obviously paying attention to maintaining the quality of your fuel, Gary, and I am envious of your "good fuel fortunes'. But also consider yourself lucky, because I don't believe I have the same hand of cards to play with as you do...as I believe my available fuel may very well not be as good to start with..... :2cents:

BarnieTrk