Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

READER: I bought a small farm next to me that has a diesel tank on it that is half full. I don't know if the fuel would still be good, but I saw my neighbor use fuel from that tank a year or so ago. I'm not sure how long the fuel has been in the tank. Does diesel have a shelf life? Should I try to use this fuel?

STEVE: I would recommend asking your local fuel supplier to come out and pull a sample at the bottom of the tank through the fill opening. They can make sure the fuel has no algae, water or other pollutants in it. Algae can grow in diesel fuel and cause many problems. Tests have shown that diesel fuel life is around two years. If the fuel checks out OK, I would have him fill the tank.

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-- Write Steve Thompson at Ask The Mechanic, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email mechanic@progressivefarmer.com, and be sure to include your phone number.

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