Old diesel fuel

Hey Jim,

My experience with old fuel is use it. Old fuel, in my opinion, will make white smoke when using it. After the tank full is used, fresh fuel will make it burn cleaner. I have experience algie groing in old fuel, but you should be able to see it while looking in the tank. Algie will plug filters, and they make an additive to use in the fuel to kill it. Use the old fuel, live with a little white smoke, then put fresh stuff in it.-glen

I think you can use old diesel fuel
I mean the ordinary diesel engines (not common rail)
In the case of bacterial growth that can be seen floating in the tank
It looks like a floating dry tea

Itzik

I don't know for sure when the refineries started changing the diesel fuels but I have noticed in the last couple of years, it doesn't have the odor the older fuels did. Also, when the new stuff is spilled on concrete it seems to evaporate over a day or so, unlike the older fuels that when spilled, you had to clean up as it never did dry.

Unless you have something growing in the tank and don't mind changing fuel filters often, I'd go ahead and use what you have. I'd crack the drain valve at the bottom of the tank before starting the critter and see how much water and gunk comes out. Matter of fact, it's not a bad idea to do that a couple of times a year, even if you do keep the fuel tank filled.

If you still have doubts, you can always drain the fuel into a suitable container.

I ended up "donating" my old diesel to the local recycler. Figured I needed to drain the tank anyway to adjust the factory-fitted dent so what the heck. I did notice it had a markedly different smell to fresh diesel, in the same way that old gas has a different smell. It was easier for me to get rid of it. It was probably 8-10 years old.

Cheers,
Neil.

I have heard of a fuel treatment that when added to old fuel actually rejuevenates it back to good useable fuel. I cannot remember what brand it was, but it was interesting. I plan on doing that to my 5J fuel when I get it ready to run.

Save that old diesel fuel if you have a suitable container to hold it in (an old 55 gallon drum works well). You may need it someday to use as a loose-juice for a stuck clutch or something.

Having read through the comments on using old fuel I've decided it isn't worth the hassle of potential problems for eight or so gallons. The tractor is a D2 5U with seat tank. From the previous owners account. It has been 10 to 12 years since it's last run. I drained the tank. Fuel is a medium to dark amber in color. Fortunately, other than some rusty accumulation in the drain valve. There was no sign of water or algae slime. I think I will try and flush the tank and drain any more rust sediment.
I was planning on changing the fuel filters as a matter of course. My question is...How far do I go? should I think about blowing out fuel line to the transfer pump?
Fresh fuel will be used when replacing filters and priming. That will bring a supply of fresh fuel to the injectors pretty quickly.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated
Thanks.
Art

removed the plug to drain from the bottom of the tank, flushing a few times won't hurt!
When you are ready, fill the tank, take the line off from the pump, open the valve to drain the crap out of the line till it appears as fresh fuel, shut off valve, re-attach line.
Then start the priming process.
Me personally?
I will run old fuel after its well filtered, mixed with new fuel, at $4 a gallon, it is a savings!

Save that old diesel fuel if you have a suitable container to hold it in (an old 55 gallon drum works well). You may need it someday to use as a loose-juice for a stuck clutch or something.