Diesel - How long can I actually store it?

[SupremePossum]

I just got myself a Diesel genset which has a 30 gallon tank, and I plan to get at least 4 x 5 Gallon jerry cans

But, having no diesel vehicle, the storage times are going to be quite long. I know that old Diesel can be stored for a long time, but what about modern Diesel?

 

[Zee09]

I let diesel sit in my tractor for over 5 years due to some crazy circumstances. I used Dyno-tabs Ultra Fuel Booster as a fuel stabilizer and once I charged the battery it ran without issue and no problems.
I use it in all my seldom used OPE

 

[Cujet]

The correct answer is, 'it depends" TX heat won't help. Today's diesel may also contain bio-diesel, which goes bad quickly. One year is pretty much the standard if kept cool and free of water. I've heard of 5 years with additives, but that is very likely the outside limit, and in locations where it remains cool.

We ended up using Jet-A, with some TCW3 two stroke oil as a lubricity additive. Jet-A will easily last 10 years if properly stored.

 

[6.7 CTD]

Rotating that stock will be challenging since you don’t have a diesel vehicle. I’d only store enough diesel to get the generator up and running while you run to the fuel station to fill the cans (not ideal in all scenarios I’m aware). Store it in a cool, dry place. Too many variables to give an exact, useful timeframe. I’d say run the generator intermittently and replace your stored diesel every 18 months.

 

[4WD]

Does it have a separation/filter system … ?
That might allow you to keep the tank lower and the stabilizer rich fuel sealed in the Jerry cans (since this is a backup) …

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405835482272?gQT=1

 

[cptbarkey]

I have about 150 gallons in storage. Ask me again in 2 years.

 

[fantastic]

What I use in my truck.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seot/140...a7-4461-8f93-9a58e0342deb&listRegistryType=WL

 

[SupremePossum]

I let diesel sit in my tractor for over 5 years due to some crazy circumstances. I used Dyno-tabs Ultra Fuel Booster as a fuel stabilizer and once I charged the battery it ran without issue and no problems.
I use it in all my seldom used OPE

Well, thats good news!

The correct answer is, 'it depends" TX heat won't help. Today's diesel may also contain bio-diesel, which goes bad quickly. One year is pretty much the standard if kept cool and free of water. I've heard of 5 years with additives, but that is very likely the outside limit, and in locations where it remains cool.

We ended up using Jet-A, with some TCW3 two stroke oil as a lubricity additive. Jet-A will easily last 10 years if properly stored.

If I could get it locally for cheap, I'd give it a go!

Rotating that stock will be challenging since you don’t have a diesel vehicle. I’d only store enough diesel to get the generator up and running while you run to the fuel station to fill the cans (not ideal in all scenarios I’m aware). Store it in a cool, dry place. Too many variables to give an exact, useful timeframe. I’d say run the generator intermittently and replace your stored diesel every 18 months.

Yeah, maybe I need to buy a skid loader so I can rotate it

My intention is to keep the fuel tank full, I guess I could keep the cans empty and use those to get fresh as soon as I think I might need it

Does it have a separation/filter system … ?
That might allow you to keep the tank lower and the stabilizer rich fuel sealed in the Jerry cans (since this is a backup) …

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405835482272?gQT=1

Has filter, but no water separator

I have about 150 gallons in storage. Ask me again in 2 years.

I will!

What I use in my truck.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seot/140...a7-4461-8f93-9a58e0342deb&listRegistryType=WL

Thanks, I'll check it out!

 

[dnewton3]

Assuming it's not bio-diesel ... "regular" diesel, If properly treated, it can last many, many years. Proper biocide and some anti-gel will make it last easily 10 years.

I had an older Case 970 AgriKing which sat for over 10 years outside, and it actually fired up after all the lubes were changed.

 

[doitmyself]

I have a small (160 gal.) diesel storage tank at my workplace that sits stored longer than I wish. For better storage, my fuel supplier recommended 1.)NOT using biodiesel , and 2.) use premium diesel. I rotate my stock at least once a year.

 

[SupremePossum]

Is regular Diesel at the pump usually part biodiesel like Gasoline has Ethanol?

 

[SupremePossum]

Thoughts about this stuff? Treats almost 2000 gallons

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LMW96G?smid=A2CXTODCGGQ9M3&psc=1

 

[4WD]

Is regular Diesel at the pump usually part biodiesel like Gasoline has Ethanol?

Most of it is just B5

 

[Cujet]

Most of it is just B5

And that's the problem. Any Bio Diesel will go bad more rapidly.

 

[Hohn]

I just got myself a Diesel genset which has a 30 gallon tank, and I plan to get at least 4 x 5 Gallon jerry cans

But, having no diesel vehicle, the storage times are going to be quite long. I know that old Diesel can be stored for a long time, but what about modern Diesel?

A LONG time. Diesel is inherently more stable than gasoline and can be stored several years. Besides, you’re going to exercise that generator RIGHT? That will use some fuel and allow you to keep some fresh fuel coming into circulation.

 

[Hohn]

And that's the problem. Any Bio Diesel will go bad more rapidly.

Biodiesel shouldn’t be used any application where the engine will not be used for any length of time.

This is an area in which I have a good bit of professional experience and knowledge.

I co-authored Cummins’ official white paper on biofuels and standby generators.


https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0076899.pdf

 

[SupremePossum]

Biodiesel shouldn’t be used any application where the engine will not be used for any length of time.

This is an area in which I have a good bit of professional experience and knowledge.

I co-authored Cummins’ official white paper on biofuels and standby generators.


https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0076899.pdf

So, even B5 is a problem I assume?

 

[Hohn]

So, even B5 is a problem I assume?

The mantra I’ve adopted on recent internal discussions on blend ratios is this: “With the right application and handling procedures, no blend ratios is too high. With the wrong application (standby generator) or poor handling and storage procedures, no blend ratios is low enough. B0 is the only safe blend ratios for standby generators.

 

[Speedbird001]

- Love that Jet-A plus an additive idea
- I would probably have some kind of system with a few extra fuel cans and one of those farmer hand crank or 12v transfer pumps with a top shelf filter / separator and pump fuel thru that before going into the generators tank as needed. (I would not keep large volumes of fuel inside the gensets tank for extended periods)

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/transfer-flow-inc-50-gal-refueling-tank-system-1183393

 

[Chris142]

Biodiesel shouldn’t be used any application where the engine will not be used for any length of time.

This is an area in which I have a good bit of professional experience and knowledge.

I co-authored Cummins’ official white paper on biofuels and standby generators.


https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0076899.pdf

The only fuel available here now is r99.