Sylvie Willis
Old diesel fuel can be reused or disposed of in several ways. Diesel does not degrade like petrol and can be safely stored in a sealed container for years. If the diesel has been contaminated, it can be polished by passing it through a filter multiple times to remove dirt, water, or bug contamination. This process can be done using a pump and a filter system, or by transferring the diesel to a drum and manually separating the water. If the diesel is very old, it may be necessary to empty and clean the tank with a pressure washer before reusing the fuel. Alternatively, old diesel can be disposed of by dumping it into a fuel tank and running it in a vehicle or using it to start fires, although this should be done with caution as it may cause engine issues or increase the risk of fire.
What to do with old diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Can be reused by dumping it into your fuel tank and running it in your vehicle. |
| Filter | Old diesel can be filtered and reused. |
| Polishing | Diesel can be polished by passing it through a filter. |
| Disposal | Old diesel can be used to start fires. |
| Storage | Diesel doesn't degrade like petrol and can be stored for a long time if kept in a dark, sealed container. |
| Contamination | Water contamination can be separated out easily. |
| Degradation | Diesel can darken with age and may lose some energy content. |
| Biocide | Biocide can be added to diesel as a preventative measure, but it is not effective if the diesel has already been stored. |
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What You'll Learn
Use old diesel fuel to start fires
Old diesel fuel can be used to start fires, but it is important to exercise caution as it is a hazardous and polluting substance. It is also worth noting that diesel fuel tends to create a bit of smoke and is harder to ignite than other fuels.
If you are using diesel to start a fire, it is recommended to use a small amount. You can soak a rag, paper towel, or piece of cardboard with diesel, and then light it. Alternatively, you can mix diesel with gasoline in a ratio of 3:1 for a "hot mix" in a drip torch. For a longer burn time and a smaller "whoomph", you can adjust the ratio to 4:1 or 5:1 diesel to gasoline. However, it is important to note that these higher ratios may be difficult to ignite.
Another method is to soak sawdust with diesel, drain the excess, and spread the sawdust where you want your fire. It is recommended to give the sawdust a month or two to dry before attempting to burn it.
It is important to prioritize safety when using diesel fuel to start fires. Do not use excessive amounts of diesel, as it may pose a safety risk. Additionally, ensure that you are burning dry materials to avoid producing excessive CO emissions.
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Dispose of it by dumping it into your fuel tank
Old diesel fuel can be disposed of by dumping it into your fuel tank and running it in your vehicle. Diesel does not degrade like petrol and does not evaporate. It can be safely stored in a sealed container, such as a fuel tank, for years.
Before dumping old diesel fuel into your fuel tank, it is important to inspect the fuel for any signs of degradation. Pull a sample from the bottom of the tank into a clear glass quart bottle and check for any floaters of algae or discolouration. If the fuel looks dirty or cloudy, it can be "polished" by passing it through a filter multiple times. This can be done by disconnecting the outlet pipe from the filter and fitting a length that goes back into the tank through the fuel level sender hole. A pump can then be connected to suck the fuel from the tank, push it through the filter, and return it to the tank.
If there is a serious colony of bugs or other contaminants in the fuel, it may be necessary to empty and remove the tank and clean it with a pressure washer. However, even in this case, the diesel can still be polished and reused.
When disposing of old diesel fuel, it is important to handle it responsibly. If you are not comfortable dumping it into your fuel tank, you can contact your local hazardous waste disposal program or a specialized business that handles hazardous waste. Many automotive shops accept old diesel fuel or know who takes it and have the expertise and equipment to handle and recycle it safely.
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Clean your tank and drain old diesel
Diesel doesn't degrade like petrol and doesn't evaporate. If kept in a sealed container, it can be used even after years. However, it is important to clean your diesel tank periodically to avoid blockages in the fuel system caused by sediment or diesel bugs.
- Remove the fuel cap: Loosen and remove the cap or lid of the diesel tank to gain access to the inside.
- Place a fuel-catching container under the tank: Position a suitable container underneath the tank to collect the drained diesel and sediment.
- Unscrew the fuel line nut or hose: Locate the fuel line nut or hose at the base of the fuel tank and unscrew it to allow the diesel to drain into the container.
- Use an extraction pump if needed: If there is fuel or sediment remaining at the base of the tank, use an extraction pump to remove it completely.
- Blow out debris with an air compressor: If necessary, use an air compressor to blow out any debris or remaining diesel from the fuel lines. Direct the nozzle towards the tank to ensure all debris is removed.
- Reconnect the fuel line: After blowing out the lines, securely reconnect the diesel fuel line nut or hose back onto the base of the diesel fuel tank.
- Drain the water separator and replace fuel filters: If your system has a water separator, drain it now. It is also recommended to replace the fuel filters to ensure no old diesel or contaminants remain.
- Refill with fresh diesel: Fill up the tank with fresh, clean diesel fuel.
- Add a diesel fuel tank cleaner: Pour in the recommended amount of diesel fuel tank cleaner to maintain the tank's cleanliness and prevent future build-ups.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your diesel tank and drain old diesel, ensuring the optimal performance of your vehicle or equipment.
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Filter the diesel to remove water and contaminants
Old diesel fuel can be filtered to remove water and contaminants and then reused. This process is known as "polishing" the fuel.
To begin the process of filtering old diesel fuel, you must first remove any dirt or solid contaminants. This can be done by pumping the diesel through a high-efficiency filter element. This step is crucial as dirt can clog the next filter element in the loop, rendering it ineffective in removing water.
The next step is to remove the unwanted free water. After solid particles are mechanically removed through high-efficiency filtration, the diesel fuel is directed through another set of filter housings to remove the water. This two-step process is called water coalescence and water separation.
It is important to note that while some sources recommend adding a second 2-5 micron filter after the factory filter, others suggest adding a secondary 30-micron fuel filter and water trap close to the fuel tank. This additional layer of filtration acts as a preventive measure to trap water and contaminants before they reach the primary filter and cause damage.
Bacteria in diesel fuel can be removed through high-efficiency filtration or by using a biocide. However, it is important to note that using a biocide will render the coalesce and separator filter elements ineffective.
By following these steps and properly maintaining your filtration system, you can effectively remove water and contaminants from old diesel fuel, maximizing fuel efficiency and protecting your engine.
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Use a pre-filter to prevent water and contaminants from entering the tank
Diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination from water and other impurities. Water can enter a truck's fuel tank in several ways, including through condensation, leaky storage tanks, and human error such as leaving the fuel tank cap off. To prevent water contamination, it is essential to practice proper fuelling procedures and maintain well-sealed tank caps.
One effective method to prevent water and contaminants from entering a diesel fuel tank is to use a pre-filter. A pre-filter is a secondary layer of fuel filtration that can trap water and impurities before they reach the primary factory filter. This additional filtration can protect the engine and fuel injection equipment from damage and clogging caused by contaminants.
The pre-filter is particularly important for vehicles operating in challenging environments or filling up from unreliable fuel sources. For example, vehicles on large mine sites in Australia may be exposed to poor-quality diesel and a high risk of rust and contaminants from the tanks. In such cases, a combination of a pre-filter, factory filter, and final filter may be necessary to ensure effective filtration and protect the engine.
When choosing a pre-filter, it is essential to consider the micron rating, which determines the size of particles that can be trapped. A pre-filter with a micron rating between 2 and 5 can be effective in trapping small contaminants. Additionally, a water trap can be highly beneficial in removing water from the fuel, as water can cause significant damage to modern injection equipment.
By using a pre-filter with a water trap, diesel fuel users can effectively prevent water and contaminants from entering their tanks, protecting their engines and fuel injection systems from potential damage and ensuring smoother performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Old diesel fuel can be disposed of by dumping it into your fuel tank and running it in your vehicle. If you don't want to do that, you can use it to start fires, but be careful not to pour too much as it may cause an explosion.
Diesel doesn't usually degrade like petrol. If it has been kept in a sealed container, it should be safe to use. If it looks dirty or cloudy, you can 'polish' the fuel by passing it through a filter.
To prevent diesel from degrading, it should be kept in a dark, sealed container. You can also add a biocide or a healthy splash of Diesel Kleen to prolong its life.
Using old diesel fuel can cause blocked filters and injectors. It may also have lost some energy content, and some of the lower volatiles may have flashed off, making the flashpoint higher.
