[seller]

Does anyone know the shelf life of diesel fuel?

 

[mannytranny]

Depends on how it is stored.......

Add stabil to it, and keep it sealed I think you could go for 6 months to a year.

 

[ericcklem]

Temperature is a big factor. The small organisms in the fuel can't break it down as quickly when it is cold out. I have heard of biodiesel being stored for a couple of years with just a little biocide in it.

 

[Dave Haven]

Humidity is another factor. Water will cause bacteria and algae to grow in the fuel.
Other than that, it's failrly stable.
I went over to Riverside, CA in January, 2004 to pick up "Trick Truck" (see sig) after buying it from my cousin.
The truck had been setting since July, 2001 - 2 1/2 years. I changed the fuel filter as a matter of principle. After purging the air from the system, it fired up and purred like a CAT. There was nothing wrong with the 2 1/2 year-old fuel.
YMMV.

 

[FarmallBobM]

When I acquired my KW it had been sitting outside for at least 3 years with about 100 gal of untreated fuel in the tank (100 gal = about 90% full).

Before attempting the first start I siphoned enough from the bottom of the tank to fill a quart jar. The fuel looked and smelled fine. I then replaced the fuel filter and started it up.

The Cummins started right up and ran great on the old fuel. I ran that entire tank thru the engine, only draining the last 3 or so gallons in case there was condensation/sediment (found only a trace).

So from my limited experience untreated diesel is good for 3+ years - at least if it's stored so the tank's nearly full. ...FB