Fuel

[Dave from MN]

Alright, fuel is predicted to increase by a $1 or more a gallon for next spring/summer by the "self proclaimed" predictors. I decided I am not gonna wait till then as fuel has not dropped in quite some time. So I am prebuying my gas an fuel for the next year now. So, my question is what should a guy treat my 300 gallon fuel tank with. It has about 100 gallons of 2 year old #2/arctic mix in it right now. It is stored in a shed and I am concerned about condensed moisture in it and possible algae. I want to fill er up now in addition to prepaying. So is Deisel 911 any good. Do I also ad a Isopropal or any other additives, what do some of you use.

 

[Jay (ND)]

Don't put in additives. By and large, you're wasting your money. You're keeping it inside, out of the sun, so you are storing in the best possible circumstances. 911 is for emergency gelled up fuel only. Do not use as part of a routine.

 

[flashback]

Diesel fuel can grow algae in any circumstances indoor or outdoor. A lot of it depends on the fuel seller, his tanks etc. It oftimes comes with water particles suspended in the fuel which can promote the algae bloom even in the best of conditions. Also if you happen to have a small amount of moisture in you tank now it is in the very bottom and not a serious problem but when adding fuel it could get mixed into the whole tank. My advice is to add the proper quantity of algaecide when or after unloading. I worked with the stuff for 20 years and saw some pretty bad things happen. A little prevention could save you thousands.

 

[IH2444]

Do add Stabil or some type of additive to your gasoline. It does work.

 

[Lou]

Jay, What do you think about the post below regarding fuel oil, I heat the farm with fuel oil and have 2X275 gal tanks in the basment, should I be concerned about alge forming?

 

[Jay (ND)]

If you are buying from a good supplier, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. They should routinely check their tanks for water. Algae forms in the thin layer between water and the fuel. Having the tanks inside help, but don't stop it. It's the water that's the key.

I would talk to your supplier and find out what type of preventive maintenance they do.

I've never once seen algae, Lou.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would say any additive that prevents algae would be advisable. I tend to over-medicate my fuel because it won't hurt anything, and additive is cheap in comparison to what you're adding it to. Never thought about treating heating oil, but then again, I have LP heat.

 

[Lou]

Yes ive read about it on here a couple of times but never seem it. However I just had a guy come into my business about a half hour ago driving a gas delivery truck, he says he knew of it and they have an additive, so I guess I better check.

 

[Jay (ND)]

They do have additives for it. Half of the time, this is just another profit center.

 

[Jay (ND)]

The problem with additizing is that not all additives and not all fuels are created equal. Most additives are formulated to treat most fuels, however if you get a weird blend, you could actually make matters worse. My advice is don't use unless you have a reason to.

dej(jed) would be a good resource on this.