old diesel fuel in tank

Mr.Mark wrote:
I've always filled up before storage and I think it would be good for you too. The less air in the fuel tank will resist 'breathing' which allows moisture into the tank.

Just fill up before you put your 'baby' away.

Safe travels,
Mark

Yeah, I won't make that mistake again. Been worried about it for a month or two, so it's a relief all is well.

I've always filled up before storage and I think it would be good for you too. The less air in the fuel tank will resist 'breathing' which allows moisture into the tank.

Just fill up before you put your 'baby' away.

Safe travels,
Mark

wa8yxm wrote:
Baring algae diesel lasts a long time

The one that amazed me was a gasser.. Sat for years... Fired up and ran like new after we put a new chassis battery in it.

I think what saved me was the long period of time that temperatures don't rise to a level that will support algae growth in our northern latitude. Plus my storage site isn't exposed to a lot of intense Sun. I couldn't even find a mobile fuel cleaning service. Not sure if the same applies with storing gassers... but at least there's an apparent advantage to a cold climate with diesel!

Bruce Brown wrote:
Good to hear.

We just returned from a 2,200+ mile trip, topped off 2 miles from the house and put it away for the season. Unless something changes it won't come out of the garage for around 7 months. I have zero concern about the diesel going bad.

I've owned our Journey since '17 and never even heard of problems with water or algae after storage. But the pandemic set us back a year and the rig ended up sitting for 2 years with only half a tank. I looked into possible issues with the fuel when I fired up the generator and it started surging. That's when I investigated and found out that... oops!, should have put an additive in. Apparently Cummins builds their machines to withstand owner neglect. I'm thankful!

Good to hear.

We just returned from a 2,200+ mile trip, topped off 2 miles from the house and put it away for the season. Unless something changes it won't come out of the garage for around 7 months. I have zero concern about the diesel going bad.

Baring algae diesel lasts a long time

The one that amazed me was a gasser.. Sat for years... Fired up and ran like new after we put a new chassis battery in it.

Just wanted everyone to know that I took the Journey out yesterday and everything was fine. I wanted to burn off as much of the old fuel as I could so I drove out a rural expressway for an hour and then an hour back, running my AC and generator the whole way. When I got back home I was down to a quarter tank. I filled up with fresh diesel and a 'shock dose' of Biobar. The Lord was good to me. So were the other posters here and I thank you all for taking the time to give me advice. I learned a lot about diesel along the way.

PastorCharlie wrote:

Yes, fuel polishing (common on diesel boats because of the same storage issue) is an alternative.

That will remove water, microbes, dirt etc.

That is what the fuel filters and water separator is for. You have the systems already installed on the vehicle.

I think and pray you're right pastor. Can't get out until early October, but hope my filters do the job they were intended for. Taking spares just in case.

wolfe10 wrote:
Yes, fuel polishing (common on diesel boats because of the same storage issue) is an alternative.

That will remove water, microbes, dirt etc.

It will not "cure" diesel that has "turned". Smell fresh diesel, then smell from your fuel fill. We are not talking about a subtle difference!

Yes, we FEEL you will be fine. But would sure hate for our long-distance opinion to lead you into an expensive repair.

Got a chance to sniff my tank today, and it smelled like fuel to me. I didn't pick up any hints of algae or decay.

schmitts711 wrote:

dieseltruckdriver wrote:
As it has been said, if it smells ok, just top it off and then drive it off, or at least as much as you can.

I would highly advise having spare filters.

I'm not sure I could tell you what good diesel smells like. Maybe I'll have someone more knowledgeable take a sniff. But you think I should get some fresh diesel in it right away?

Not necessarily right away, just before you use it. Fuel lasts much longer than gasoline, so it wouldn't concern me. My advice for the biocide was a CYA thing, as it is possible for some growth and it will plug your filters if you have it, but again, you may not.