Fuel supplier called yesterday about topping off diesel/gasoline tanks, told them all were full, plenty of correct additives and gasoline recently had nitrogen blanket refreshed. Told me per date last filled diesel tank it was reaching age that could begin "phase separation" where microbes can grow in specific layers as it separates. Many mistakingly call this algae which I said have additive to keep algae from growing which they reminded is good but even the name on bottle is misleading as you can pick up the microbes from separated fuel at pumps where fuel is not turned over often enough.
Sending tech out this week to "agitate" fuel in my diesel tanks then recommend we burn off over half, then top off with fresh, even the extra 55 gallon sealed drums keep to roll in back of truck in case need to take long trip (such as taking big TopKick 6x6 to a hurricane zone on FEMA activation) so not reliant on pump fuel may be concerned about. Stopped at mom & pop truck stop in eastern Colorado once, got tank of fuel that required $1,000 in service along with me swapping main fuel filter every few days a clogged or froze to get it home. Then had to have tank dropped, steam cleaned, fuel system serviced again to finally get all purged and clean. Not burning much diesel of late so friend is going to come fill 100 gallon tank on his service truck twice on both work and home tanks which drops each to 50 gallons and will have fuel company top off with 200 gallons of fresh fuel and treat for storage knowing our diesel consumption has slowed while filling.
Tech is also going to agitate then test the gasoline in both gasoline tanks for oxidation and other issues. Again they recommended we burn at least half the gasoline, top tanks with fresh and when voiced concerns about amount of ethanol in current fuel assured me still using same 92 octane ethanol free gas as in past which each batch is tested after pull off the head before goes in their short/mid term storage tanks. Said more meticulous about QC testing now that following Katrina. Asked about the sealed five gallon cans of aviation and racing fuel have hoarded in safe places.
Told me to check lot numbers, dates if find then call when foot healed enough but did look up history saying odds are some is reaching age still plenty good to use but wouldn't want to store another few years before need/use.
Have buddy that uses race gas in his boat with five Kieth Black Hemis said would pay current rate as was burning fuel every weekend. Another friend has two planes at airport plus two in hanger behind his house flys off grass strip to airport said will take the aviation fuel at current price. When able to walk carrying the five gallon drums will deliver to friends then pick up fresh replacements at suppliers warehouse. Instead of just prepped want to get freshest possibly can properly stored so if hold say another year then start slowly rationing off will not poison our trucks or equipment.
Even ordered an two cases of Sthil premix for two strokes in quarts along with five gallon cans now we are running lawn equipment weekly. During summer pour from gallons till empty open can in fall and swap to quarts as consumption slows thus smaller container with broken seal. Hired lawn guy know to do house till foot heals and had them deliver mower, weed eaters, blower, two chainsaws, etc to service center for full professional service (send out every other year and do myself years not farmed out) as techs at place use are honest, will check seals/etc in carbs, make sure all is tiptop plus sharp.
Last looked (when turned off tank following winter) at work propane tank was 35/38% so called to have it topped to 90% as 350/380 gallons won't get shop through winter and if careful can get two full winters off a topped propane tank at work. May service main whole house generator today since stuck at home and can do with no more effort than going down stairs to reloading room. Fuel is high but going to do the full deal of freshening up before it gets worse.
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