Old diesel fuel

[jims427400]

Hi All,

I have a 2000 Damon 40' Escaper w/300hp Cat that I purchased about 18 months ago w/30K miles. We filled the 100 gallon tank last fall and we've been so busy this summer haven't driven coach at all. I winterized it last fall with stabilizer and anti gel and it won't get driven till next spring at the earliest. How long will the fuel be ok? Tank is full.
I'm from Ohio so its stored in winter conditions.

Thoughts?

Thank you,

Jim

[Skip426]

Diesel doesn't lose too much in the long run, and you've ticked all the boxes as far as storing it. I have not stored over a year but I'm sure you'll be ok.
Maybe , some booster , and frequent top ups when you do get running.
Cat , recommends the engine be rolled over , before attempting to start , to lube things up after a long storage.

[Clayobx]

I have never let my fuel sit that long except in my boats both diesel and gas. Lets start with diesel since that is your specifics. What type of fuel stabilizer and did you use bio bor algaecide? Main issue is condensation in the tank or tanks creating algae. Bio bore will eliminate this problem. I personally would change out the water separator filter and the primary. Run the engine under load, ie: twenty miles or more, and change them out again. Some may feel this is excessive, but if your left in the Gulf Stream with clogged filters adrift, no engine you learn fast! Just good insurance for a small price!

[Barlow46]

Do some reading about PRI-D. PRI Advanced Fuel Treatments

I have used it here in Fl over the years for fuel stored in my 500 gal. tank at home and have had it last up to two years. I don't think you will have a problem since you kept the tank full and treated it. Diesel is easy to work with provided you do it right like you did.

[Mekanic]

mine has (2) 50 gallon tanks and 10 miles from home I fill both tanks to the top on my way home. I have done this 3 times and 3 times it has worked out just fine.
Mine has sat minimum 9 months at a time or more. No addidtives are really required.
Just make fore sure water separators are drained of any water.

[jerichorick]

I had old generators come into work, when I worked in the power department of the phone company in New England (key words -- when I worked!). The fuel in the tank would often be years old and not treated as far as I know. If the water separator is working you should have no problem running on that tank.

Just a side note: I have been running one oz of cheap 2 cycle motor oil per gal of diesel. I have been doing this for a few years now. My last coach, '05 Winne Vectra, Cummins 400 HP, ran a bit cooler and had a bit more power and better fuel milage. The purpose of the 2 cycle oil is to lubricate the fuel train internal components.

[D Lindy]

Hopefully you are starting the motor every month or so. Diesel engines are noted for having the rings freeze up on the piston when let set for an long period of time with out starting and lubing the pistons. Once the rings freeze to the piston there is a loss of compression. The motor will eventually start but you take the chance of burning out the started before it will start.

[BCooke]

According to BP...
Long term storage of diesel fuel - BP
http://www.bp.com%2Fliveassets%2Fbp_...51495398,d.cWc

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...51495398,d.cWc

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Mekanic

mine has (2) 50 gallon tanks and 10 miles from home I fill both tanks to the top on my way home. I have done this 3 times and 3 times it has worked out just fine.
Mine has sat minimum 9 months at a time or more. No addidtives are really required.
Just make fore sure water separators are drained of any water.

Exactly! Purchasing additives is a good thing___for additive sellers. There must be a good reason Cummins does not recommend using additives.

[hes4all]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Exactly! Purchasing additives is a good thing___for additive sellers. There must be a good reason Cummins does not recommend using additives.

You sure about that? Look at this from Cummins.
Fuel Additives

[dmurdock]

Fuel will be fine as long as you topped off the tanks like you did. Depending on the year of your coach (especially if it's older) the 2 cycle oil is a good additive..the rest except for a couple brands (you can't find in stores unfortunately) don't really do anything for lubricity.

Here's a very interesting read:

Lubricity Additive Study Results - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

[pocketchange]

My FIRST Post..!

Greetings ALL,

Diesel fuel is almost bulletproof other than for contamination.
Keep an eye on your filtration system.

2-Stroke additive is good (the cheap stuff is better than typical additives).

pc

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by pocketchange

My FIRST Post..!
Greetings ALL,
Diesel fuel is almost bulletproof other than for contamination.
Keep an eye on your filtration system.
2-Stroke additive is good (the cheap stuff is better than typical additives).pc

Pocketchange. good to have your with us.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by hes4all

You sure about that? Look at this from Cummins.
Fuel Additives

How about that, looks like Cummins has jumped on the additives money train too. I'll never rely on what I read on their website some years ago again.