In anticipation of buying a boat that might have a lot of old diesel
(which turned out to be Fintry, about 2000 liters), I asked about old
diesel fuel at the booths of all the fuel companies at the New Orleans
Workboat Show last December. I got consistent answers more or less as
follows:

Diesel, unlike gasoline, does not deteriorate on its own. Ten year
old diesel should be just fine. But (there's always a "but") diesel
does support the growth of bacteria if there's water in the tank or if
the tank gains water over time from condensation as the air moves in
and out of the vent with changes in temperature.

Are you certain it is diesel (gasoil), not gasoline (petrol, essence)?
Your description sounds like old gasoline.

If you are certain it is not gasoline, if it burns and will flow
through the jet, you can probably use it in a heater. I wouldn't use
it in a modern engine, as they are sensitive not only to clogging the
injectors but to the lubricity (lubricating ability) of the fuel and
you could do a lot of damage.

Use judgement on cleaning the tank -- it depends on whether the stuff
leaves a residue behind.


Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com

dave wrote in message ...
I recently discovered a tank with 50 liters of diesel that is probably
more than 15 years, old from what I know of the boat history.

The 'diesel' or liquid is like syrup, does not smell diesel but varsish.

What is the reaction that can alter diesel ?
Can this liquid be used in the engine ? in a heater ?
Do I need to rince the tank before use ?

TIA, I am a newbie on this forum so sorry if I am OT. The boat is a
barge built in 1929