Hello again, I purchased a 1987 Hunter Legend 37 recently. Tha boat has been on the hard for 2 years now. Should I be concerned with the diesel fuel. The tank is full so water shouldn'd be too big an issue (I think). We have a farm tractor that is 40 years old with a Perkins diesel that has fuel that is 8 years old and other than condensation filling up the water separator and occasionally needing attention there has been no problems with the diesel running (even at 5 below zero). Most people I have talked to seem to have great concern that the fuel is no longer useful because of contamination and deterioration. Has anyone had any experiences/thoughts about this? I'd rather not get involved with removal or fuel polishing if possible. Thanks, Ted
Diesel Fuel
- Thread starter Ted5612
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It might be okay but it's what you don't know
that could cause problems. I've also heard folks talk about not having any problems with old fuel but that has a lot to do with what, if anything, was done to preserve it properly prior to long-term storage. It's not just the water with which you might need to be concerned. What I'd suggest is pulling samples of the fuel at a minimum for visual observation from both the middle and bottom of the tank. The water can be easily removed but that isn't the end of the story - the presence of water promotes growth throughout the volume which also would need to be addressed either by polishing or simply disposal and replacement. If you do choose to empty the tank, you should also check out what is growing or adhered to the walls of the tank as replacing the old fuel will obviously not rtemove it and lead to continued problems. Or if you feel lucky, go for it and hope for the best which isn't always the prudent choice. If you go this route, at least add some cetane booster.
that could cause problems. I've also heard folks talk about not having any problems with old fuel but that has a lot to do with what, if anything, was done to preserve it properly prior to long-term storage. It's not just the water with which you might need to be concerned. What I'd suggest is pulling samples of the fuel at a minimum for visual observation from both the middle and bottom of the tank. The water can be easily removed but that isn't the end of the story - the presence of water promotes growth throughout the volume which also would need to be addressed either by polishing or simply disposal and replacement. If you do choose to empty the tank, you should also check out what is growing or adhered to the walls of the tank as replacing the old fuel will obviously not rtemove it and lead to continued problems. Or if you feel lucky, go for it and hope for the best which isn't always the prudent choice. If you go this route, at least add some cetane booster.
Contamination of any sort can be a nightmare.
Ted: If it were me, I would at least run the fuel through some sort of filter system. If you get water & junk going thru your filters while you are out sailing it will ALWAYS be at some ciritical time. I assume that you have about 35 gal or so of fuel. You can alway pump it out and refill the tank through a Baja filter. The other option is to use it in the tractor and put new fuel in the boat. If you decide to use it, I would pump some fuel/crap off the bottom of the tank. If it looks okay and you feel good about it, just add some diesel fuel enhancer and go for it.
Ted: If it were me, I would at least run the fuel through some sort of filter system. If you get water & junk going thru your filters while you are out sailing it will ALWAYS be at some ciritical time. I assume that you have about 35 gal or so of fuel. You can alway pump it out and refill the tank through a Baja filter. The other option is to use it in the tractor and put new fuel in the boat. If you decide to use it, I would pump some fuel/crap off the bottom of the tank. If it looks okay and you feel good about it, just add some diesel fuel enhancer and go for it.
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