Diesel Fuel shelf life???

[jcjacob]

I have read in the FAQ's about gasoline and Coleman Fuel shelf life.

Does anyone know what the shelf life of Diesel Fuel and #2 Heating Fuel is?

Say in a 55 gallon durm capped. Treated and untreated??

I know it is only 40 octane.

:fal:

[Opie]

I'd treat it just to be on the safe side and depending on the climate where you live I would maybe put some anti-gel additive into it also.

[762 shooter]

Diesel fuel should be treated with an algicide. Yes, algae will grow in diesel fuel. With the proper treatment and an airtight container, 10 years is reasonable.

[ONG]

Originally posted by 762 shooter
Diesel fuel should be treated with an algicide. Yes, algae will grow in diesel fuel. With the proper treatment and an airtight container, 10 years is reasonable.

Diesel fuel will support the growth of algae but only if there is water present.

Diesel is 40 cetane not octane.

Diesel with the right additives should be good out to 10 years but that is getting close to the limit. You will need to keep it cool and dry to do that, I don't believe a drum out in the sun is going to last that long. In a underground tank it will.

[instr8]

How about gasoline?

[ONG]

Originally posted by instr8
How about gasoline?

Well I have "heard" 2 years but have no experience myself, anyone out there that does?

[skfullgun]

As far as gasoline goes, I've heard it can begin to deteriorate in as little as 6 months. I can verify that it changes color and odor after 6-8 months of being stored in a 5-gallon can in my storage shed. Of course, that's here in Houston where 100 + degree days are common.

It tends to go from clear colored to a yellowish after a few months.

[Jon Frum]

I remember reading that the Germans had some WW2 stashes that were 1,000,000 gallon underground . A motherlode if you found one.

[jcjacob]

Originally posted by instr8
How about gasoline?


Shelflife of Non-Food Items
Fuel, Coleman (unopened metal gallon container) - 5 years
Fuel, Coleman (opened metal gallon container) - 8-10 months (to prolong the shelf life open infrequently and store in a cool place)
Gasoline (oxygenated/treated) - 12 months
Gasoline (oxygenated/untreated) - 1 month
Gasoline (nonoxygenated) - 12 months (depending on the additives in it)
Gasoline (nonoxygenated/treated) - 10 years

[ONG]

Originally posted by jcjacob



Shelflife of Non-Food Items
Fuel, Coleman (unopened metal gallon container) - 5 years
Fuel, Coleman (opened metal gallon container) - 8-10 months (to prolong the shelf life open infrequently and store in a cool place)
Gasoline (oxygenated/treated) - 12 months
Gasoline (oxygenated/untreated) - 1 month
Gasoline (nonoxygenated) - 12 months (depending on the additives in it)
Gasoline (nonoxygenated/treated) - 10 years

Where did you get that info? I know that the info on the Coleman fuel is incorrect you can double those figures and still be on the conservative side.

Treated gasoline 10 years? :confused:

[Powderfinger]

Originally posted by ONG


Where did you get that info? I know that the info on the Coleman fuel is incorrect you can double those figures and still be on the conservative side.

Treated gasoline 10 years? :confused:

Post #4 on this thread.
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=148729

[Rawles]

Storage life is a problem for some liquid fuels, especially gasoline. Here is a quote from my first novel, Patriots:

"The category of fuel that I am most concerned about is liquid fuels. Our diesel storage tank is presently almost full--about 900 gallons. It has been stabilized, and it has been treated with an antibacterial. You've all heard this before, but for Rose's benefit, I'll repeat it. The basic rule for fuel storage is: the more highly refined the fuel, the shorter its storage life. That means that kerosene will store for 15 years or more, diesel stores for eight to ten years, and gasoline normally has only about a two-year storage life. Beyond that, it builds up gums and peroxides, and suffers decomposition of anti-knock compounds to the point that fuel filters clog up and engines won't run. Also, the butane that is added to gasoline tends to evaporate. Once the butane burns off, starting an engine can be hard. You usually have to use ether. In general, high temperatures and exposure to oxygen encourage the decomposition process. Stored fuel also tends to attract moisture, and that causes a whole 'nother set of problems. The storage life of all liquid fuels can be extended by the use of a special additive called Gas Saver that delays the decomposition process, and we have plenty of that on hand. Overall, the best way to store fuel is in a completely full, sealed underground container."

Because of the relatively short storage life of gasoline, it is best to standardize with diesel and/or propane for your vehicles and generators, if possible. Add fuel stabilizer to your stored gas, and rotate it very frequently. Note that you will have to get anti-gel and anti-bacterial additives for your diesel tank. It may sound hard to believe, but there are indeed bacteria that can grow in diesel fuel!

For gasoline stabilizer, I recommend "PRI-G"

For diesel anti-gel stabilizer/anti-bacterial, I recommend "PRI-D"

Both products are available from Ready Made Resources: http://www.ReadyMadeResources.com (Tell Them that Jim Rawles sent you.)


OBTW, you will find lots of useful info on fuel storage and alternative fuels at my blog site: http://www.SurvivalBlog.com