{"id":603,"date":"2021-10-06T01:29:33","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T01:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10008\/?p=603"},"modified":"2024-03-12T14:25:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:25:33","slug":"storing-diesel-fuel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/learndiesels.com\/storing-diesel-fuel\/","title":{"rendered":"Storing diesel. How long can it last?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So you\u2019ve got some fuel you want to hold onto. Or\u2026 maybe you\u2019ve found an old barrel tucked away that Y2K prepper stored in 1999. Diesel fuel DOES have a shelf life. So, let\u2019s answer that question. After that, look for a guide on how to store it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long can you store diesel?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, open diesel fuel can last up to 1 month. If you have stored the diesel in a sealed container indoors or it is in a vehicle tank, it will last 6 months with no treatment. If you have treated the fuel with biocides and stabilizers, it will last 12 months. Longer than 12 months, it will require more maintenance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reasons not to use old diesel fuel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High fuel pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons diesel has a shelf life is the engines and fuel are different than days past. You may not know it, but modern diesel engines are quite complicated. From the high-pressure injection to the DPF after-treatment systems, things can get pretty hairy pretty fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the reasons you can hold onto old fuel. As the fuel separated and breakdown via the bacteria and mold is becoming impossible to pass through the low microfilters and the high-pressure fuel systems. For a good reason! These systems can be some cray high pressures upwards of 20,00 psi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t even have tiny microscopic trash in the fuel at those levels. You might get away with it with that old tractor, but no way with a modern diesel. Even with older units – do you really want to pull the injectors out instead of going to get some good fuel? Important questions when you\u2019re about to pour in some \u201cfree\u201d fuel. Not so free when you think about repair costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engine breakdown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not only is it bad for the fuel pump and injection system, but it\u2019s generally bad for all your internal engine parts. When dirty fuel combusts, it just creates a mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not a complete burn and most likely contains trace amounts of water, which can really do some damage. Not only is water not compressible, which makes the inside of a combustion chamber a terrible place. It also cools the burn temps and makes all kinds of havoc on rings and sleeves. Please get some new fuel. ????<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to know when Diesel Fuel Has Gone Bad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n