How long can diesel sit? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #31 03-01-2008, 06:58 PM

Exactly.

Tom W

jamesNB · #32 03-03-2008, 04:03 PM

The worst that could happen is you'll ruin the injector pump, injectors, cylinders and pistons.
Not as bad but still a pain, it won't start and you'll be chasing your tail. Or you'll be running through fuel filters.
Bacteria and fungi metabolize the fuel and change the composition. One of the byproducts is organic acids which attack metals. If you think microbes don't "eat" petroleum, why do they use them to help clean up oil spills?
Even if you kill everything with biocide, the dead bugs are still in the tank and will goo up the works.
Not to mention a layer of water in the tank isn't good for anything.
Save yourself a lot of headaches and clean the tank.

Botnst · #33 03-03-2008, 06:59 PM

Don't shoot me, I'm new to diesels (I don't even take possession of my car until Thursday!), but it looks like the discussion is going back-and-forth replete with opinion and a paucity of evidence. It is an interesting problem and I think an important one so I did a Google search to see what other folks think.

I can't speak to the veracity of these links but I think they offer additional insight.

http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/machinery-manufacturing/401946-1.html

http://theepicenter.com/tow021799.html

Bot

babymog · #34 03-03-2008, 09:36 PM

Old diesel would probably be bad to have in contact with the fuel system components for a long time, but it's already done that.

You're just considering what effects having it in contact with that system for another couple of days or so as you run it out. No significant contact time.

If there's water in the fuel tank, get it out. If there's "algae" in the fuel tank, get it out. If not, the filter will take care of particulates, keep spares around, and you'll be diluting the fuel with fresh fuel as you drive and fuel the car.

Best thing is to get it running and get fresh fluids in the engine. The oil pH is more important than the fuel pH, and the coolant pH + SCAs is important, the fuel is consumable.

You're getting "wrapped around the axle" on this fuel thing, step back and take a broader look.

123Guy · #35 03-03-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juanesoto

I've heard starting fluid is no good under any circumstance. Its more like a quick once in a lifetime solution for an emergency.

If they don't have glow plugs, how come you need to "glow" them for about 30 seconds? It was an early 70's D6C bulldozer

Never use gasoline-engine type starter fluid, it's too volatile - the best starter fluid for diesels is WD40.
The Yanmar 2QM15 diesel in my sailboat doesn't have glow plugs and it starts quite easily.

t walgamuth · #36 03-03-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

Don't shoot me, I'm new to diesels (I don't even take possession of my car until Thursday!), but it looks like the discussion is going back-and-forth replete with opinion and a paucity of evidence. It is an interesting problem and I think an important one so I did a Google search to see what other folks think.

I can't speak to the veracity of these links but I think they offer additional insight.

http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/machinery-manufacturing/401946-1.html

http://theepicenter.com/tow021799.html

Bot

Both those links appear to be sponsered by people selling stabilizers. I used fuel in my car that had been sitting in a tank in the basement of my building for at least 40 years best estimate, with no ill effect.

Pull a little off the bottom to be sure it is not clouded with bacterial growth or full of dirt and go for it if it is clear.

Tom W

3lpuller · #37 09-21-2009, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

the VW 4 banger (which ain't anything special)
I mean, how good can a looong alloy head be

1. buddies rabbit PU just like yours (NA) hauled 2 grown men, a sizable toolbox,
race fuel, a cooler and a 500cc roadracer for 2 seasons on 200 mile trips though the california desert @ 75MPH.

for a different point of view: my 80 jetta gets 70 MPG.
not bad for pseudodiesels!

2. ask the finns, one of which is pushing 500 HP with his (i believe OM606)

life is not always as it seems!

#38 09-21-2009, 08:15 AM

I would be willing to bet that the fuel will be just fine. I've burned fuel so old it was probably pumped out of the ground using a steam engine with no trouble whatsoever. If you can start the engine on it, burn out about 10 gallons, fill up the thank and then change the fuel filter.

As for the 2,500 gallons in the storage tank, it would have been wise to use a more subtle method of pumping it into your vehicles. You didn't need to meter it, so you could have used a hand pump or an electric pump like the contractors use on the tanks in the back of their pickups to fuel construction and farm equipment. Oh well, hindsight is always 20 20.

vstech · #39 09-21-2009, 09:18 AM

ok,
here's what I would do.
get a good gallon container and fit 2 5/16" fuel lines in it.
disconnect your fuel lines from the tank lines in the engine compartment, and test out the car from that. after you have the vehicle running right, try the fuel in the tank.
this way you are not trying to figure out what's in the tank vs. just getting the car running.

lupin..the..3rd · #40 09-21-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesNB

Twelve years is a long time to let anything sit. I don't care if it's gasoline, Diesel Fuel, or asphalt.

I dunno, if we're talking single malt scotch, I'd say 12 years is still a little young.

okyoureabeast · #41 09-21-2009, 10:45 AM

When I revived my 85 300D I drove on 10 year old fuel for the first 300 miles. The tank was completely full so there was little room for algae to start growing. Fuel filters are fine too.