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Old 10-27-2016, 11:53 PM   #1
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3 year old fuel in a MH I am thinking of purchasing

I'm fairly sure a motorhome I am thinking of buying has 3 year old fuel in the tanks. Everything I read about ULSD is that it doesn't last like prior diesel we used to get. Something about its starts breaking down at about a month old. Plus alge etc. Is fuel polishing something I should look into immediately after a purchase? I poked around and it looked like they only filtered it to about 20 micron. But I read somewhere that the secondary cat filter was around 2 micron, was that a typo? Should I find a place that will filter it down to 2 micron, or at least closer to that?

Thanks In advance,

Bill
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Old 10-28-2016, 03:42 AM   #2
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Do you have an estimate of how much fuel is onboard?
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Old 10-28-2016, 07:40 AM   #3
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Algae growth usually happens in warmer southern climates, I have read.

Polishing will cost more than the fuel is worth I bet.

As bad as I would hate to dispose of fuel you might be time, money and aggravation ahead by draining it and replacing filters then adding new fuel.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:24 AM   #4
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It looks like there maybe 50 gallons of fuel and Its in Southern California. I would think disposing of 50 gallons of diesel may be very difficult.
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:38 AM   #5
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The fuel may be useful, but it may need to be "polished". This is done by running it through a filter a few times. For example, using a pump and some hose and a filter you pull it out and dump it back into the tank in one process, but let it run for a few hours so the majority of contaminants are run through the filter. No need to move the fuel to another receptacle. Best done outdoors.

You can do it in the vehicle by filling the tank with new fuel and running it at limited power - a significant portion of the fuel is returned to the tank on a continuous basis. If you do it in the vehicle you will need to start with a new filter and change filters after a few hours. If you can't prime it and change the fuel filter you may need to get it done on an emergency basis at the side of the road!
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:40 AM   #6
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By the way, you didn't mention what kind of coach, but you are best NOT running that fuel through the generator or Aquahot if you have one. Those should be drained, new filters added, and started with fresh fuel.
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:53 AM   #7
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Three year old fuel is most likely not a problem. Take a small sample and have a look. It should be quite obvious if it has a problem. If it looks clear I would use it up, then start fresh with new fuel and filters.
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Old 10-28-2016, 10:17 AM   #8
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^^^^^^
The most sensible post
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Old 10-28-2016, 11:19 AM   #9
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Quote:
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Three year old fuel is most likely not a problem. Take a small sample and have a look. It should be quite obvious if it has a problem. If it looks clear I would use it up, then start fresh with new fuel and filters.
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Originally Posted by CampDaven View Post
^^^^^^
The most sensible post
Well,
To me, these two posts do make sense. Has ANYBODY ever seen or, had REAL LIFE experience with BAD diesel fuel that has aged like what the OP is contending with? I've seen bag gasoline in my past and the results of age on it but, I've never seen aged diesel and have been around it for years.
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Old 10-28-2016, 11:50 AM   #10
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Just run it and change filters a little sooner.
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Old 10-28-2016, 12:15 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBillSD View Post
I'm fairly sure a motorhome I am thinking of buying has 3 year old fuel in the tanks. Everything I read about ULSD is that it doesn't last like prior diesel we used to get. Something about its starts breaking down at about a month old. Plus alge etc. Is fuel polishing something I should look into immediately after a purchase? I poked around and it looked like they only filtered it to about 20 micron. But I read somewhere that the secondary cat filter was around 2 micron, was that a typo? Should I find a place that will filter it down to 2 micron, or at least closer to that?
Thanks In advance,
Bill
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBillSD View Post
It looks like there maybe 50 gallons of fuel and Its in Southern California. I would think disposing of 50 gallons of diesel may be very difficult.
BigBillSD
There are a lot of MHs for sale without 50 gallons of 3 year old fuel in the tank(s)..... why not simply think of buying one of them?
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Old 10-28-2016, 05:36 PM   #12
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Appears this was all moot, the owner told me he got a deposit from someone.
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Old 10-28-2016, 07:29 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by distaff View Post
The fuel may be useful, but it may need to be "polished". This is done by running it through a filter a few times. For example, using a pump and some hose and a filter you pull it out and dump it back into the tank in one process, but let it run for a few hours so the majority of contaminants are run through the filter. No need to move the fuel to another receptacle. Best done outdoors.

You can do it in the vehicle by filling the tank with new fuel and running it at limited power - a significant portion of the fuel is returned to the tank on a continuous basis. If you do it in the vehicle you will need to start with a new filter and change filters after a few hours. If you can't prime it and change the fuel filter you may need to get it done on an emergency basis at the side of the road!
For further clarification, in a gas Scenario, the contaminants will probably be at the bottom of the fuel tank. What about diesel:
1. Bottom of tank
2. Top of tank
3. Suspended
4. Or all of the above
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Old 10-28-2016, 07:34 PM   #14
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Appears this was all moot, the owner told me he got a deposit from someone.
There are a lot of MH on the market. And with the 2017's arriving, there will be a lot more.

Take your time and keep looking. Don't let this one bother you at all.
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