Diesel fuel starts to degrade and become contaminated within 28 days of storage. Typically, fuel can be stored 6–12 months, but without proper care, its quality will decline.

To maximize storage life, many companies recommend:

• Keep fuel cool, ideally around 70°F
• Treat with biocides and stabilizers
• Maintain tanks per NFPA 110 standards

According to NFPA 110, diesel “Storage Life” is 1.5 to 2 years. Tanks should be sized so fuel is consumed within that period, or stale fuel must be replaced.

The Most Critical Step: Keep Water Out

Water is the number one killer of stored diesel fuel. It encourages microbial growth, leading to bacteria, sludge, and engine damage.

• No water = no bacteria
• No bacteria = no need for biocides

Regular fuel polishing is the most effective way to remove water, sediment, and microbes—but it can be expensive.

Deciding on Fuel Management

Consider your fuel volume:

• 200 gallons vs 5,000 gallons – costs and methods vary.
• Decide if contracting a fuel polishing service or investing in a machine makes the most sense for your operation.

Meanwhile, for small tanks, simple devices can quickly remove water and prevent early contamination.

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The post Protect Your Stored Diesel Fuel: Prevent Contamination and Engine Damage appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Consider this scenario:

• A generator requires 24 hours of runtime at full load, burning 20 gallons per hour. You need 480 gallons for full coverage.
• If you run the generator 15 minutes per month, you’ll consume only about 21 gallons per year. Without a major outage, most of your fuel remains unused for 8 years.
• Even if you top off every two years with 50 gallons, the majority of the tank—430 gallons—is old fuel, now 24 months old. Adding new fuel does not fix the problem.

Why Old Diesel Fuel Is a Problem

To comply with NFPA 110 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems), fuel must remain “clear and bright” and meet ASTM D975 standards.

• After 90 days, diesel begins to discolor and solids form.
• Fuel that is no longer clear and bright can cause engine damage, clogged filters, and failed emergency starts.

Hope is not a plan.

How to Solve the Problem

The best way to maintain emergency generator fuel is:

• Regular fuel testing to monitor quality
• Fuel polishing systems to remove water and solids
• Additives to stabilize fuel and improve performance

For professional solutions, contact Dieselcraft at sales@dieselcraft.com.

The post Why You Should Worry About Your Generator’s Old Diesel Fuel appeared first on Dieselcraft.