Ameer Randolph
Old diesel fuel can be a problem for consumers who buy small to medium volumes of gas and forget about it. While diesel usually stays usable for about a year, it can degrade and grow algae, turn dark, and undergo phase separation. To fix old diesel fuel, you can try diluting it with new fuel in a 1:3 ratio, adding a fuel stabilizer, or filtering it through paper towels or a paint strainer to remove water and debris. However, it's important to note that adding a fuel stabilizer won't restore old diesel to its original quality, and fully phase-separated gasoline is unlikely to be salvageable.
How to fix old diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify old diesel fuel | Diesel fuel is considered old when it appears dark, murky, and separated into layers. |
| Usability of old diesel fuel | Old diesel fuel can still be usable, but it may have reduced combustion ability and power. |
| Recommended uses for old diesel fuel | Old diesel fuel can be used for control burning, starting brush piles, or in a waste oil heater. |
| Restoration methods | Mixing old diesel with new diesel in a 1:3 ratio, using fuel additives or stabilizers, filtering to remove water and debris, and treating with diesel fuel biocide to kill algae. |
| Prevention | Use fuel stabilizers or additives to prevent degradation, and store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. |
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What You'll Learn
Mix with new diesel
If you have old diesel that has degraded in quality, you can attempt to restore it by mixing it with new diesel. This method is more effective when the old diesel has not yet fully degraded and still appears to be in a usable state.
The best way to mix old and new diesel is to use a ratio of 1:3, with one part old diesel to three parts new diesel. This will dilute the old diesel, improving its combustibility and reducing the likelihood of blockages in your engine's fuel pump and injectors.
Before mixing, it is important to filter the old diesel through a funnel or a paint strainer to remove any water, debris, or sediments that may have accumulated over time. Water in diesel can cause corrosion in the fuel tank, while debris can lead to costly clogs and repairs. Additionally, check for discolouration, as old diesel tends to darken and turn amber in colour.
After mixing, you can further extend the life of the diesel mixture by adding a fuel stabilizer. This will help to prevent evaporation and oxidation, improving the overall quality of the fuel.
It is important to note that mixing old and new diesel will not restore the old diesel to its original, fresh state. The mixture may not be as powerful as pure, fresh diesel, and your vehicle may experience some difficulty starting. Therefore, it is recommended to use this mixture slowly and in small quantities, such as mixing five gallons of old diesel with 50 gallons of fresh diesel.
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Use a filter funnel
If you have old diesel, you can restore it by pouring it through a filter funnel and into a new container. The filter will remove water and debris, leaving only usable diesel.
One such filter funnel is the Mr Funnel F3NCY Portable Fuel Filter, which comes in different sizes. It can be used to filter gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuels. It can also be used to filter water and trash from fuel. Mr Funnel also offers the F3C Funnel, which is another option for filtering diesel fuel.
Another option is the Racor Fuel Filter Funnel RFF8C, which has a flow rate of 9 LPM and a filter size of 50 microns. This funnel is designed to filter out dirt and water from diesel fuel.
When using a filter funnel, it is important to ensure that the filter is higher than the base of the funnel to allow for effective water filtration. Additionally, it is important to dispose of the filtered water and debris properly.
It is worth noting that some users have reported that the filtration process can be time-consuming, especially when filling large tanks. However, the use of a filter funnel can help improve the performance of diesel-powered equipment and vehicles by ensuring that clean fuel is delivered to the engine.
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Add a fuel stabilizer
Fuel stabilizers are an effective way to fix old diesel fuel. They are designed to maintain the quality of stored fuel, rather than improve gas mileage. However, by preserving fuel quality, they can prevent engine problems that might reduce fuel efficiency. They are critical in helping to maintain the quality and efficiency of diesel fuel, particularly fuel that sits for long periods.
A fuel stabilizer additive works by neutralizing and inhibiting the chemical reactions that lead to fuel degradation. They prevent oxidation and the damage that follows, such as the formation of acids, sediments, gums, and varnishes. These developments can clog fuel filters and injectors, hindering the performance of your engine.
Fuel stabilizers are typically made up of assorted chemical compounds that include antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and detergents. These help to remove deposits and keep the engine problem-free. Reputable brands will specify the inclusion of these ingredients.
It is important to note that fuel stabilizers cannot restore old diesel to its original quality. Old diesel has degraded and lost some of the chemicals that gave it the ability to combust. These chemicals cannot be added back with a fuel stabilizer. However, stabilizers can extend the life of your diesel by preventing further degradation.
The optimal time to add a fuel stabilizer is when fueling up, especially if the vehicle or equipment will be stored for 30 days or more. It is recommended to add the stabilizer to fresh fuel to ensure maximum effectiveness in preserving fuel quality during storage. Check the product label for specific instructions and quantities.
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$44.95
Burn it
Burning old diesel fuel is a viable option, but there are a few things to consider first. Firstly, it is important to determine whether the diesel fuel has degraded to the point where it is no longer usable. Old diesel fuel may appear darkened, indicating that it has reacted internally and some of its heavier-end components have polymerized, forming gums and varnishes. If the fuel has large particles or has turned into sludge, it is likely too degraded to be burned.
However, if the old diesel fuel is relatively intact and free of large particles, it can be burned. One way to test this is to draw off a small amount of the old diesel fuel and burn it, comparing it to fresh fuel. If the colour of the flame and smoke, as well as the sound, are similar to that of fresh fuel, it is likely safe to burn. It is important to note that burning old diesel fuel may result in fouled filters, so it is recommended to have spare filters on hand when attempting to burn old diesel fuel.
One way to burn old diesel fuel is to mix it with new diesel fuel. This can be done by adding new diesel fuel to the tanks containing the old diesel fuel, or by mixing the old and new diesel fuel in a separate container before adding it to the engine. It is recommended to mix them in a 1:3 ratio, with one gallon of old diesel fuel to three gallons of new diesel fuel. This will help to dilute the old diesel fuel and improve its combustibility.
Additionally, fuel additives can be used to enhance the burnability of old diesel fuel. Cetane improvers and biocides can be added to the old diesel fuel to improve its performance. Running the priming pumps for a few hours before firing up the engines can also help to polish the fuel and ensure a more efficient burn.
Burning old diesel fuel can be a safe and effective way to dispose of it, especially if there are no nearby waste facilities that accept diesel fuel. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow the necessary steps to ensure the fuel is safe to burn and to minimise any potential impact on the engine.
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Use a fuel additive
Old diesel fuel can be rejuvenated by mixing it with fresh fuel and adding a fuel stabilizer. However, if the fuel has undergone phase separation, it cannot be restored.
Using a fuel additive is a great way to fix old diesel fuel. Fuel additives help prevent the oxidation and evaporation that cause fuel to lose its combustibility. They can also extend the life of fuel by preventing degradation, provided the fuel hasn't undergone phase separation.
There are several types of fuel additives available, including detergency additives, lubricity additives, and cold weather treatment additives. Detergency additives help remove deposits from fuel, keeping your engine problem-free. Lubricity additives are commonly used in the Midwest, where soy diesel is prevalent, to improve fuel efficiency. Cold weather treatment additives are beneficial when operating vehicles below 20°F (-6°C) to avoid fuel gelling.
When choosing a fuel additive, opt for reputable brands that specifically mention containing injectors or detergents. Avoid products that make generalized claims about "cleaning" or using "new technology." Additionally, consider the specific needs of your vehicle and the climate you operate in when selecting an additive.
Some popular fuel additives include Power Service, Stanadyne, and Diesel Kleen. These additives can be used to condition the fuel and provide lubricity. For cold weather operation, Mopar® Premium Diesel Fuel Treatment or an equivalent product is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Old diesel fuel will appear darker in colour than fresh fuel. It may also have separated into layers, with water and alcohol at the bottom and gasoline on top.
If your diesel fuel has not undergone phase separation, you can try mixing it with new fuel in a 1:3 ratio, then adding a fuel stabilizer. You can also try pouring the old fuel through a filter funnel to remove water and debris.
Old diesel fuel may not have enough power to start your car, and it could create blockages in your fuel pump and injectors that are costly to repair. It could also corrode your fuel tank.
To prevent diesel fuel from degrading, add a fuel stabilizer or additive to fresh fuel. Store the fuel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
