Old diesel fuel shelf life?

KiwiCanuck

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 1, 2016
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
TDI
Oops.. driving a gasser
Hi all,
A fellow on another forum has asked if 3 or 4 year old diesel fuel (in a yellow jerry-can) can be used in his (newer) diesel pickup truck without clogging injectors (for example), or if it should be relegated to fire-starting duties.
 

Lightflyer1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 13, 2005
Location
Round Rock, Texas
TDI
2015 Beetle tdi dsg
If it was sealed up properly and was good to start with it should still be good now. If there was any doubt as to the quality of the fuel when stored then use it for other uses.
 

[486]

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Location
MN
TDI
02 golf ALH
if it is still clear, good

if black/brown, it's got algae in it, you'll plug your filters up
 

piotrsko

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Location
Reno Nv
TDI
2013 Golf, 2000 F-250 (7.3)
If it's red or pink that's dyed ag fuel. Don't use that either.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
I would use that for weed killing, fire starting, parts washing, etc. Diesel if properly stored can last a long time, but those plastic cans often are not perfectly sealed and moisture can find its way in. If it *looks* OK, it is probably fine, but it may not be worth the few bucks of "saving" to use it in something other than an older less fragile engine.
 

ZippyNH

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Location
Southern NH
TDI
2015 JETTA TDI SE
And was there any fuel stabilizer added to it before storage?
Diesel, unlike gasoline doesn't need them.
Keep it dry, dark, and sealed, life is pretty much forever.
Modern unleaded gas lasts 30 days or so....that's why people add additives.
Unlsealed, condensation can occur...due to natrual changes in temperature and air movement.
If you start with dry fuel...keep it sealed, 99% if issues are solved.
Moisture lets bacteria and algee grow....both issues.
 
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turbobrick240

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Location
maine
TDI
2011 vw golf tdi(gone to greener pastures), 2001 ford f250 powerstroke
If I didn't have my tractors and 7.3 Ford, I'd use it as heating oil, solvent, or fire starter myself. I've seen some pretty nasty algae infestations.
 
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