Regan Brown
Diesel fuel has an average shelf life of 6 to 12 months, but it can last longer under the right conditions. The lifespan of diesel fuel can be affected by microbial growth, oxidation, and fluctuating temperatures. To make diesel fuel last longer, it is important to store it in a cool, underground storage tank and to monitor and maintain the fuel quality regularly. This includes checking for water at the bottom of the tank, draining any water, and using specific treatments if needed. Additionally, filtering the diesel fuel before use can help remove impurities, and storing it in airtight containers can minimize excess factors that affect its quality.
How to Make Diesel Fuel Last Longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Store in an underground tank | Keeps the tank safer and cooler, and the quality of the fuel will last longer |
| Empty and clean the tank every ten years | A thorough cleanse will help maintain the life of the diesel fuel and the tank |
| Store in a quality fuel container | Use sturdy, secure, double-walled 55-gallon drums or cube-style tanks, which offer more benefits than cylinder-style tanks |
| Keep the tank full | Minimises the risk of water issues and microbial growth |
| Treat the fuel | Use biocides or stabilisers to fight microbial growth and oxidation, and prevent chemical breakdown |
| Monitor the tank regularly | Check for water every month at first, then twice a year if no water is found; clean out used tanks to avoid issues |
| Store in a cool, stable temperature | Extreme heat can cause lighter components of the fuel to evaporate; extreme cold may lead to paraffin wax crystallisation |
| Use No. 1 diesel oil in winter | It is thinner and causes less wear and tear on the engine in cold weather |
| Use thinner No. 2 diesel fuel in summer | This helps the vehicle manage hot and muggy days |
| Use coolant | Transfers heat away from the combustion chamber, keeping the engine running smoothly |
| Preventative maintenance | Be mindful of how you drive your vehicle, how often you visit the mechanic, and how often you change the oil |
| Clean out your engine | Ensure the engine doesn't fill with debris |
| Maintain diesel parts and components | Keep all parts well-maintained |
| Use fuel additives | Add Diesel 911 cetane boost to pep up the fuel |
| Filter the diesel | Before use, filter the diesel to clean out impurities |
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What You'll Learn
Store in an underground tank
Storing diesel fuel in an underground tank is a great option for those looking to make their fuel last longer. The initial expense of an underground tank may be more, but the long-term costs are reduced. Underground tanks keep the fuel safer and at cooler temperatures, prolonging its lifespan.
To make the most of your underground tank, it is important to establish a monitoring and maintenance plan. This is especially important for those using the stored diesel for a standby or emergency generator, as the fuel source is often overlooked in testing and maintenance. When an emergency arises, you need to be sure that your generator will work, and keeping the fuel in good condition is critical to this.
To maintain the quality of your diesel, it is important to regularly check for water in the tank. Microbial growth is often the product of water interfacing with diesel fuel, as microbes require water to grow. This microbial growth can cause multiple issues, including clogged filters, fuel flow problems, increased rates of corrosion, and injector malfunctions. To prevent this, you should check the bottom of your tank for water every month, moving down to twice a year if no water is found. If water is found, it is important to drain it and use a specific treatment if needed.
In addition to water, oxidation is another factor that can cause diesel fuel to degrade. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when diesel fuel is introduced to oxygen, and it can cause the formation of unwanted gum, sludge, and sediment. To prevent oxidation, it is important to treat your fuel with stabilizers or biocides, which can be found in the form of fuel additives. These additives fight microbial growth and oxidation, helping your diesel fuel last longer.
By following these tips and investing in an underground tank, you can effectively make your diesel fuel last longer.
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Treat fuel to prevent chemical breakdown
The lifespan of diesel fuel can be shortened by microbial growth, which occurs when water comes into contact with the fuel. This is because microbes require water to grow, and they produce acids that degrade diesel fuel, clog filters, restrict fluid flow, corrode tanks, and damage engines. To prevent this, you should check the bottom of your tank for water every month and drain any water that is found. You can also use treatments to separate the water, such as a water separator filter or a diesel fuel filter with a hydrophobic coating.
Another way to prevent microbial growth is to treat your fuel with biocides or stabilizers, which fight microbial growth and oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when diesel fuel is introduced to oxygen, creating high acid values and unwanted gum, sludge, and sediment. Fuel treatment stabilizes the diesel and prevents chemical breakdown. It is important to use the appropriate type of treatment as gasoline and diesel are chemically different and require different formulas.
To further extend the lifespan of your diesel fuel, you should store it in a cool, underground storage tank and keep the tank full to minimize air space. You should also regularly clean your tank to remove any sludge or sediment that has built up over time. By following these steps, you can help prevent the chemical breakdown of your diesel fuel and extend its lifespan.
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Minimise water to reduce microbial growth
Water in diesel fuel can lead to microbial growth, which causes significant problems such as clogged filters, reduced engine performance, and even engine failure. Microbes such as bacteria and fungi can grow in diesel fuel when water is present, forming a slimy substance that resembles algae. This microbial growth can lead to the formation of biofilms, which can clog fuel filters and injectors, resulting in engine problems. Therefore, removing water from diesel fuel is crucial to preventing these issues.
Water can enter a fuel tank through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Modern biodiesel, in particular, tends to be more hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs water molecules from the surrounding environment. Once water is present in the fuel, it provides a breeding ground for microbes to grow and multiply.
To minimise water and reduce microbial growth, it is essential to regularly check for and remove any water from the fuel tank. This can be done through the use of a water separator or a fuel polishing system, which can effectively remove water and other contaminants. Additionally, keeping the fuel tank full can help reduce condensation and minimise the risk of water contamination. Using fuel stabilisers can also improve the stability and quality of the diesel fuel, inhibiting microbial growth.
In the event of microbial contamination, it is necessary to treat the fuel with a biocide to kill the microbes and clear the residual water and contaminants. Products such as Bio-Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide are designed to eliminate bacteria and fungi that grow in the water associated with diesel fuels. It is crucial to follow the instructions and use these products as directed to ensure effective treatment and compliance with any relevant regulations.
By proactively minimising water and addressing microbial growth, you can help extend the lifespan of your diesel fuel and maintain the performance and functionality of your equipment. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the fuel tank and changing fuel filters, is essential for preventing and managing algae and microbial growth in diesel fuel.
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Monitor and maintain fuel quality
Diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination and degradation over time. To ensure the longevity of your diesel fuel, it is important to establish a monitoring and maintenance plan. Here are some detailed steps to help you monitor and maintain diesel fuel quality:
Check for Water and Microbial Growth
Excess water in diesel fuel can cause issues in storage and when used. Water can promote microbial growth, which can lead to plugged filters, fuel flow problems, increased corrosion, and injector malfunctions. Check the bottom of your tank for water every month initially. If no water is found, you can reduce the frequency to twice a year. Regularly drain any water found and use a specific treatment if needed.
Use Fuel Treatments
Fuel treatments are essential for maintaining diesel fuel quality. They stabilize the diesel and prevent chemical breakdown, such as oxidation. Use the appropriate type of treatment, as gasoline and diesel require different formulas. Additives like biocides or stabilizers can help fight microbial growth and oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of your diesel fuel.
Store in Quality Containers
Invest in quality fuel containers, such as 55-gallon drums or fuel tanks. Cube-style tanks are recommended over cylinder-style tanks, but both should be sturdy, secure, and double-walled for added protection. Keep your containers as airtight as possible, and fill them up as much as possible to leave no excess space for air.
Filter and Polish Your Fuel
Filtering your diesel fuel helps remove impurities and can extend its lifespan. Sediment and sludge will settle at the bottom of the tank over time, so drain this contamination using the valve at the bottom. Additionally, consider fuel polishing services to restore the quality of your diesel fuel by removing water and other contaminants.
Maintain Your Tank
Empty and clean your diesel fuel tank every ten years to maintain its longevity and the quality of your fuel. Remove any oil residue with a solvent, rinse with water, and dispose of the waste appropriately. Regularly inspect your tank for signs of degradation, such as clogged filters or rust on the filler cap, and address any issues promptly.
By following these steps, you can effectively monitor and maintain the quality of your diesel fuel, ensuring its longevity and preventing potential issues caused by contaminated or degraded fuel.
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Store in a cool, airtight container
To make diesel fuel last longer, it is important to store it in a cool, airtight container. This is because temperature fluctuations can contribute to diesel fuel degradation. Extreme heat can cause the lighter components of the fuel to evaporate, while extreme cold may lead to paraffin wax crystallisation. Therefore, storing diesel fuel in a cool environment can help maintain its quality.
Additionally, it is crucial to minimise the presence of water in diesel fuel storage. Water can mix with diesel fuel and promote microbial growth, which can cause issues in storage and when the fuel is used. Modern fuel systems work at high pressures, and even a small amount of water could be detrimental. To address this, keep the diesel fuel storage tank full, as this leaves less space for oxygen and water, reducing the chances of microbial growth.
Using treatments to separate water from diesel fuel is also essential. Water separator filters can be utilised to remove water and prevent it from being injected into the system, which could cause damage. Regularly checking for water is a good practice; at first, inspect the tank bottoms for water every month, and if none is found, reduce the frequency to twice a year. If water is detected, drain it and use specific treatments if necessary.
To further ensure the longevity of diesel fuel, it is recommended to invest in underground storage tanks. Although they may be more expensive initially, they offer long-term cost savings by keeping temperatures cooler and fuel quality optimal. These tanks also enhance safety and fuel longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can last up to a year, and will easily make it 6 months with no additives. However, within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel #2 begins to become contaminated and start to degrade.
To store diesel fuel, use quality fuel containers such as 55-gallon drums or fuel tanks. Cube-style tanks tend to have more benefits compared to cylinder-style tanks, but both should be sturdy, secure, and double-walled for added protection. Keep the diesel fuel storage tank full to minimise water issues and use treatments to separate water and a water separator filter.
To make diesel fuel last longer, use fuel treatments to stabilise the diesel and prevent chemical breakdown. Keep the diesel fuel storage tank full and regularly check tank bottoms for water. Use a solvent to remove the remaining oil residue and rinse again with water. After the barrels have dried, they should be ready to store new fuel.
If your diesel fuel has gone bad, you may notice clogged filters and rust on the filler cap. If it turns black, you have an algae infestation.
