Quick Answer
Diesel fuel that has been stored properly in sealed containers may remain usable for up to 12-24 months. However, degradation will occur over time, resulting in reduced performance. Testing the fuel is recommended before use in engines after prolonged storage.
Factors Affecting Diesel Fuel Storage Life
Several key factors impact how long diesel fuel can be stored before losing quality and performance:
Storage Conditions
Diesel fuel stored in cool, dark places in sealed, airtight containers will last longer than if stored in hot, humid, or bright conditions exposed to air. Keeping dirt, water, and debris out of the fuel supply is also critical.
Additives
Using fuel stabilizers and biocides can extend the shelf life of diesel fuel by preventing oxidation and microbial growth. However, these additives do not fully prevent degradation over time.
Fuel Composition
Diesel fuel consists of various hydrocarbon chains. Lighter fuels with shorter chains, like those used in summer blends, degrade faster than heavier winterized fuels.
Physical and Chemical Changes in Stored Diesel Fuel
As diesel fuel ages, both physical and chemical changes occur:
Oxidation
Exposure to oxygen leads to oxidation reactions, forming insoluble gums and sediments. These can clog filters, injectors, and pumps. Antioxidant additives slow but do not prevent oxidation.
Microbial Growth
Anaerobic bacteria and fungi can grow in the water phase of stored diesel, producing acids and slime. Biocides are required to control microbial growth.
Evaporation
Lighter, volatile components evaporate over time, increasing viscosity and reducing combustibility. Sealed containers minimize evaporative losses.
Wax Crystallization
In cold conditions, wax particles naturally found in diesel fuel precipitate out, leading to gelling and filter plugging issues. Winterized diesel resists waxing.
Testing Stored Diesel Fuel
Since degradation occurs slowly, stored diesel may appear normal yet still suffer performance issues. Best practice is to test fuel older than 6-12 months before use, looking for:
Visual Inspection
Look for sediment, gelling, or haziness. Black or green tinge indicates algal growth. Clear, bright fuel is best.
Viscosity
Increased viscosity indicates oxidation or evaporation. Fuel may not atomize properly, affecting combustion.
Water and Sediment
Excess water encourages microbial growth. Sediment can abrade precision fuel system components.
Sulfur Content
Sulfur oxides hasten oxidation. High sulfur in old fuel underscores need for stabilizers.
Cloud Point
Helps determine waxing tendency in cold weather conditions.
Professional lab analysis provides the most accurate results if fuel condition is uncertain.
Impacts of Using Old Diesel Fuel
The altered properties of diesel fuel degrade over time affect engine performance:
Reduced Combustion Efficiency
Oxidized fuels have lower energy density. Microbial contamination creates further combustion issues.
Increased Emissions
Higher viscosity, reduced volatility, and lower cetane ratings increase smoke, hydrocarbon, and NOx emissions.
Power Loss
Heavier ends in degraded fuel lower power output. This requires down-rated operation.
Increased Maintenance
Contaminants and sediments require more frequent filter changes. Sticking injectors create hard starts.
Best Practices for Long-Term Diesel Storage
Follow these tips to maximize the shelf life of your diesel supply:
– Use sealed metal or HDPE plastic tanks, drums, or jerry cans designed specifically for diesel storage. Ensure containers are clean and dry before filling.
– Fill containers to 95% capacity to minimize airspace and reduce oxidation.
– Add stabilizer chemicals as you fill storage containers to treat the entire fuel supply.
– Store containers indoors or in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and severe temperature swings.
– Label containers with purchase date and stabilizer used for future reference.
– Periodically inspect containers for leaks, moisture, and sediments. Keep water out.
– Use oldest fuel first in equipment to rotate supplies. Consider blending with newer fuel.
– Test fuel quality after 12 months. More frequent testing of winterized diesel blends.
Following proper long-term storage procedures allows for diesel fuel to remain usable for 12-24 months or longer if maintained properly. Always test fuel quality before use after prolonged storage periods. Consult your owner’s manual or diesel engine manufacturer for specific storage recommendations. Proper planning and preventative steps will help avoid performance issues with old diesel.
Conclusion
Diesel fuel stored for over 2 years may still be usable if it was properly stored in ideal conditions. However, degradation will occur over time, with the fuel’s combustion quality and performance progressively declining. It is highly recommended to test diesel fuel that has been stored for extended periods before relying on it for critical operations. Ensuring fuel is free of excess water, sediments, and microbial growth is key. While diesel stabilizers help slow oxidation, they cannot fully prevent reduced volatility, increased viscosity, and waxing tendencies. Protecting diesel fuel from air exposure, temperature extremes, contamination, and aging mitigates these effects and allows for longer storage life. But periodic testing remains essential after the first 12-24 months to identify any changes in stored diesel quality before they impact engine performance. With prudent storage methods and testing, diesel fuel can retain operability for up to 2 years, but performance may suffer without remediation.