Brown diesel

[Guest]

Have been doing a lot of work in the engine compartment, which meant emptying the fuel tank so that I could move it for access. About 80 litres of diesel has been stored in various types of jerrican for a period of about 6 months. When I came to refill the tank, I noticed that the diesel had changed colour and that it didn't have a strong diesel smell. It did not smell of bug contamination and seems quite clear. Any thoughts on the advisability of using or disposing of it?

 

[david_bagshaw]

Should be ok ,

Have the containers been sealed? if not some of the higher fractions can be lost.

I had a standby generator that ran on fuel that was 4 years old, with no problems.



David
www.euroboating.net

 

[Trevor_swfyc]

This diesel I guess was red to start with?

If it has turned brown then clearly it has become contaminated, can you use it cannot be answered unless the source of contamination is known. A trace amount of bitumen/tar would cause it to turn brown/black, rust is another possibility, the fact that it no longer smells as it did (of diesel) would make me wary about using it in my boat.
Is the diesel in the boat filter still ok or has that gone brown as well.
If it is still red and clear then you have contaminated the diesel in dirty cans.
What to do with it if you are going to write this diesel off is another good question.
Might be ok in a diesel heater perhaps.
Trevor