Cleaning Diesel Fuel

[Bill VA]

Recently drained a fuel tank to check for crud and a clogged pickup screen. No issues at all there.

However, I’d like to use the diesel I drained, but want to filter/clean it before using it in the tractor.

What is the best way to filter/clean diesel fuel on a DYI basis such that it can be reused?

I’m good getting rid of the diesel and buying new, but….

Any suggestions on filtering/cleaning diesel fuel (otherwise clean) from a fuel tank and putting it back in the tank?

 

[M-MAN]

A funnel lined with pantihose or a paint filter.

 

[Scott 730]

So............. you found no crud in the tank but now feel the need to filter it before returning it to the same tank it came out of?

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Recently drained a fuel tank to check for crud and a clogged pickup screen. No issues at all there.

However, I’d like to use the diesel I drained, but want to filter/clean it before using it in the tractor.

What is the best way to filter/clean diesel fuel on a DYI basis such that it can be reused?

I’m good getting rid of the diesel and buying new, but….

Any suggestions on filtering/cleaning diesel fuel (otherwise clean) from a fuel tank and putting it back in the tank?

I would just dump it back into my supply tank. Then it would be filtered when pumped out. I believe fuel should be filtered every time it is moved.

 

[moresmoke]

Pump with a filter on the outlet. Usually just use the pump off my transfer tank.

 

[Brownie450]

Start a brush pile burning.
Jim

 

[rustred]

Recently drained a fuel tank to check for crud and a clogged pickup screen. No issues at all there.

However, I’d like to use the diesel I drained, but want to filter/clean it before using it in the tractor.

What is the best way to filter/clean diesel fuel on a DYI basis such that it can be reused?

I’m good getting rid of the diesel and buying new, but….

Any suggestions on filtering/cleaning diesel fuel (otherwise clean) from a fuel tank and putting it back in the tank?

Just use a funnel with the screen in it. Them plastic funnels come with a screen, and it’s a fine screen . That’s the way I do it.

 

[JIM MN]

How old is the diesel fuel? At $3.90 a gallon, I would use a funnel lined with a paint filter, clean and use your diesel fuel. All will be just fine!

 

[Bill VA]

How old is the diesel fuel? At $3.90 a gallon, I would use a funnel lined with a paint filter, clean and use your diesel fuel. All will be just fine!

It’s fresh-ish fuel. I’m more concerned with any grit, etc.

 

[Bill VA]

Recently drained a fuel tank to check for crud and a clogged pickup screen. No issues at all there.

However, I’d like to use the diesel I drained, but want to filter/clean it before using it in the tractor.

What is the best way to filter/clean diesel fuel on a DYI basis such that it can be reused?

I’m good getting rid of the diesel and buying new, but….

Any suggestions on filtering/cleaning diesel fuel (otherwise clean) from a fuel tank and putting it back in the tank?

Thanks for the replies - I will filter the diesel and reuse.

 

[JD Dave]

X2 what brownie said. Why fuss with straining it if it may be contaminated and you're changing out the filters and just buy some new fuel.

 

[Ray,IN]

A funnel lined with pantihose or a paint filter.

Add a disposable coffee filter to your list, but flow is very slow through the filter. I know for a fact the screen in a farm funnel will not catch flakes of galvanize from an old metal gas can, but a coffee filter does.

 

[Ray,IN]

For seriously contaminated diesel fuel, a fuel polisher machine works quite well, but it's not economically feasible for less than 200G

 

[rrman61]

I’ve used clean old t-shirts folded over a few times over the mouth of the tank you are pumping into.let’s it flow pretty fast and filters real well

 

[caterpillar guy]

The dirt you can't see is what causes the trouble. The dirt you do see will be caught in the filters. I would for the cost of pumps and injectors just burn it on brush or save it to wash parts in. I mix it with some solvent we have or mineral spirits to make it less hard on my hands unlike solvent or mineral spirits is. We don't tend to put fuel back in a tank on a vehicle even if it is 10 gallon. If we can we run a tank down to next to empty then refill with new fuel .

 

[Texasmark]

Like another said I would dump it back in my tank. The outlet of my fuel tank pump has a Goldenrod or something to the effect, Golden something, clear plastic bowl containing a micron type filter cartridge...bought at TSC with the pump. The bottom of the clear plastic cover will contain any water or other things that the filter doesn't catch and you can see the problem if you have it.

 

[rustred]

and the thing is let it settle out overnight before even pouring it in the screened funnel . then leave the last bit of dirty stuff in the jug . you dont want to be pouring and screening diesel that has been sloshing around as the screen will plug up pretty fast , of course depending on how dirty the fuel actually is. the funnel screens are good and fine and will do a better job than your other half's nickers and your tractor filters will do the final job.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Recently drained a fuel tank to check for crud and a clogged pickup screen. No issues at all there.

However, I’d like to use the diesel I drained, but want to filter/clean it before using it in the tractor.

What is the best way to filter/clean diesel fuel on a DYI basis such that it can be reused?

I’m good getting rid of the diesel and buying new, but….

Any suggestions on filtering/cleaning diesel fuel (otherwise clean) from a fuel tank and putting it back in the tank?

Works for gas