Old diesel OK?

[AlfM]

We have 2000 litres of red diesel that's been sitting in a bunded plastic tank within a building for over 5 years. Any one have any thoughts whether there's likely to be any issues with it? Thanks.

 

[Dman2]

Could have algae in it
Draw some off into a clear container and have a good look at it

 

[multi power]

I have a tractor I bought 9 years ago came full of diesel, it's still got some in the tank, it's fine

 

[A1an]

Its been under the sea bed for millions of years, another 5 wont harm it.

 

[Still Farming]

Just use good filters

 

[vario]

The bottom of the fuel tank that the fuel is stored in will be like a muck in a wet field

 

[Exfarmer]

It will be as good as the day it came out of the tanker

 

[hendrebc]

If there is any biofuel in it then it could go off and ruin the diesel. We had some tractor diesel with some in it and it ruined the pump on our Massey. It smelled off and there was mould on the inside of the tank when we checked.

 

[Lincs Lass]

Hire some plant machinery ,stick it in them and send them back with it

 

[multi power]

The bottom of the fuel tank that the fuel is stored in will be like a muck in a wet field

If it went into a dirty tank then yes

 

[AlfM]

Thanks. We’ll get some out and let it settle in a clear container and see what it looks like, or what goes to the bottom first.

 

[yellow belly]

Put some in a clear drum and see how clear it is

Could filter it
all our fuel is filtered out of the tank

If it is high sulphur diesel then only use it in older tractor or put it through a burner

 

[Steevo]

Hire some plant machinery ,stick it in them and send them back with it

 

[Lincs Lass]

Next time the tarmac lads show up, do a deal with them to put some down and pay them with the diesel,,if the tranny van suddenly stops ,deny everything

 

[milkloss]

I don’t think it’s old enough to be reliable without treatment to be honest. Have a look in a glass and see but I’d be fairly sure with condensation etc there’s be bugs in it. Get some marine16 and chuck in, excellent stuff.

 

[A1an]

If it were mine I'd syphon off the top 1500 litres from above WITHOUT disturbing the bottom. The dregs would be disposed of responsibly, on bonfires/burning stubble etc.

 

[Jim B]

Stick it in an old tractor, pre common rail.

Otherwise if you want to risk it on modern tractors, put the best additive treatment you can find in, and the best filters on the outlet.

Or just don’t take the risk and sell it to some pikeys...

 

[Barleymow]

it won't be any good don't use it I'll come and collect it free of charge and dispose of it safely

 

[startinghandle]

How did you have 2000 litres of diesel stored for over 5 years... you forget about it?

 

[FIL46]

take it from the top and filter it, would be fine in old kit with mechanical pumps. but don't put it anywhere near new stuff with electric pumps, or just sell it to someone for a space heater