Diesel Storage

The diesel doesn't go off but algae grows if any water is, either in the fuel as absorbed water within the fuel molecules, or there is water in the sealed container.

The algae grows where the fuel and diesel molecules meet each other.

Best way to store diesel for a length of time is to add an algeacide to the fuel to retard/stop any such algea growing in the first place.

Air tight means there is no inward or outward air flow whichwould carry slight amounts of moisture into the container if unsealed/beathing.

Make sure the drum is it full. Make sure the drum is black and only fill it when humidity is low. It will last years and years and years.

Having worked in the Petroleum Industry for 35 years, most oil companies will tell you the same thing. That Deisel Fuel, providing it is stored in air tight contains in stable conditions will last for up to 12 months without any degradation of the fuel.

Now this is fairly subjective. What does stable conditions mean. Certainly stable temperature is fairly important, as high temperatures tends to make the “light ends” in the fuel “evaporate” out, and they do not always go back into suspension, so a stable temperature will help prolong the life of the fuel.

Keeping the storage container out of the weather will also help ensure that water does not enter the container. Water is one of the most damaging impurities for any fuel, but particularly in diesel and kerosene/Jet fuel. Not only will the water damage your engine, but as has already been mentioned, algae will develope, not only at the fuel/water interface, but also on the container surfaces that are in contact with the water. Obviously, algae will not do your engine any good either.

If stored correctly, then 12 months should be ok, but I would certainly filter the fuel prior to adding it to my vehicle fuel tank. If at all possible, I would also decant the fuel into another container, watching for any contaminants as I go. This may take a little extra time, but it certainly beats paying for a new engine.

Macca,

I keep a few jerrycans of diesel in my shed, John, in case of any emergencies, blackouts etc. Out of the weather, and relatively cool, except in summer. LOL

If you do the same it should be okay. After all, the diesel is already a million or so years old!

Bob