Fuel getting old

[Steve]

I filled up my diesel tank at the end of last season, before the winter lay-up, and put some biocide in. This summer, I've only used about one quarter of a tank because I haven't needed to motor much. Will I have a problem next season because of "old diesel" fuel in the tank? Thanks.

 

[Paul Akers]

Use a Stabilizer

You can buy/use a diesel stabilizer additive. Used in combination with topping off the tank for the winter, you should be OK.When I bought my boat, it sat for 2 seasons with the old fuel in it. I don't know if there was a stabilizer in it, but things came out OK. I just added fresh fuel and biocide to the tank when I had the first opportunity.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Funny you should ask.

Just talked to a company called "SafetyKleen" about getting rid of old diesel fuel. This is in the Cleveland area. My boat has very old fuel, probably 30 gallons left. A few weeks ago we had to be towed when the lines clogged and developed an airlock. Guessing it was the screen on the fuel pickup in the tank. And we use stabilizers and other additives religously. But we don't motor enough to use all that fuel. Anyway the company will pick up a 55-gal. drum if I pump it out. About $75 bucks.

 

[Dave Ullrich]

Q-lube

There is a nationwide company called Q-Lube that will come out to your boat, pump out the bad fuel, and poish or dispose of it for about $1/gallon with a 50 gallon minimum charge.