Diesel fuel is a type of distillate fuel that is essentially produced from crude oil, which gives diesel engines slower cylinder wear than gasoline engines. This gives diesel fuel lubrication properties that extend the overall lifespan of the engine.
Diesel engines, because of the weight and compression ratio, tend to have lower maximum RPM ranges than gasoline engines (see Question 381 for details). This makes diesel engines high torque rather than high horsepower, and that tends to make diesel cars slow in terms of acceleration.
Signs Diesel Fuel Has Gone Bad
Gelled diesel will clog filters and end up in your engines – leading to failure. The acids that form in old diesel will cause part corrosion and injector deposits. What is this? It is simply not worth the risk of ruining your machines, so keep an eye for signs of spoilage.
Yes, you heard that right. For diesel pickup long-term dependability, buying a five-year or older truck is better than buying new. The new crop of diesel engines from Ford, GM, and Ram, are some of the best ever made.
That said, while most gas engines are intended to last at least 200,000 miles on average, a diesel truck that is well-maintained can potentially last 350,000 to 500,000 miles.
But an amazing fact is that diesel engines can run for 1,000,000-1,500,000 miles before needing any major diesel repairs. If kept well-maintained, a diesel engine can be driven for about 30 years or more.
' In reality, there is no expiration date on diesel per se, but the performance of your diesel fuel is affected the longer you store it. In fact, storing diesel without properly treating it can lead to all kinds of issues, not only for the fuelitself, but for any vehicle you decide to put the fuel in later.
As for diesel, it can remain usable for between six and 12 months before becoming 'gummy' which, if used, can clog up filters and cause you issues with your engine.
According to most refiners, diesel has an average shelf life of 12 months if stored at a temperature below 20°C (68°F). That may be realistic for underground storage tanks, but not for aboveground storage facilities. If temperatures reach above 30°C (86°F), shelf life is 6-12 months at best.
By recirculating the fuel in the tank through a filter it will break up and remove the sludge and water in the tank. All diesel fuel can be cleaned and made back into good useable fuel.
Generally, to prolong the life of the quality of stored diesel fuel, it should be: Kept cool at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit; Treated with biocides and stabilizers.
Listerine
If your clothes are smelly with that awful diesel odor, soak them in Listerine before washing them.
It is the maximum engine speed you can achieve that will not harm the car. Redlines are developed in such a way that operating at them will not harm the engine and they are at a level which will not be reached without trying to redline.
You should therefore allow your engine to rev to the redline at least once every few hundred miles – but only when the oil is warm and you're on a quiet road. Diesel cars may also have problems with clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which are designed to trap harmful exhaust emissions.
The reason diesel engines usually can't reach that speed is because of their design. Diesels are generally long stroke engines, with tough, thick pistons. They need that because of the high compression. The high compression enables them to operate efficiently.
Keeping your fuel tank at least at the 1/4 full mark can help protect both your fuel pump and fuel filter. The fuel from the tank is pumped from the fuel pump inside the tank to the engine. In the line between the fuel tank and the engine, a fuel filter is typically present to help protect the fuel system.
In order to start a diesel engine and keep it running in cold weather, you must make sure you allow plenty of time for your engine to warm up. If you do not let your engine warm up before driving, you will make it work harder than necessary, which will lead to problems later on.
Kerosene is a harsher fuel for your diesel engine, and the lack of lubrication within the fuel can damage your diesel's injector pump unless you add lubricant.
Normally, diesel engines should not produce almost any smoke while working, however, it's normal for some older diesels to release some smoke when accelerating under load.
Which fuels have the longest shelf life? Propane, alcohol, wood, and charcoal are examples of good emergency storage fuels that can be stored indefinitely and still remain viable.
Darkened Fuel
The most visible sign that something is wrong is when the fuel changes color. Normal undyed diesel fuel is a beautiful amber-green color. The same fuel which has started to degrade will darken.
Diesel Rule 1: NEVER buy high mileage
To be clear - avoid diesel cars with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Just avoid them. Really. They will cost you money, time and hassle.
Petrol engines have a shorter lifespan due to fuel property, which wears out the engine components quicker. Diesel engines last longer than petrol engines as the wear and tear is less pronounced due to fuel property. Petrol is more expensive than diesel. Diesel is comparatively cheaper than petrol.
So it is advised that drivers regularly give their diesel vehicle a good 30 to 50 minute run at sustained speed on a motorway or A-road to help clear the filter. However, not all drivers do this type of driving regularly – which is why manufacturers have designed an alternative form of regeneration.