Does diesel fuel go bad?

[BigMike]

The last time I blew snow I added some fuel from a batch I have had for quite some time.....I don't remember when I bought it .Now I cannot get the tractor to start.I glow the plugs for a 10 count and all it will do is puff gray smoke.
Bad/old fuel?

[mgonitzke]

When I got my 782D my dealer said that diesel will eventually go bad. So, I guess so?

[Amigatec]

Yes it will, Diesel Fuel will also atrack water. Believe it or not but the Virus that causes Syphilis can live in Diesel fuel.

You don't have water in the fuel do you??

[BigMike]

I don't think the fuel has water in it.The can has been in the garage(heated) since it was filled but I cannot say that it's impossible.
I guess I need to find a brush pile to start on fire so I can fill the can with fresh fuel.

[Amigatec]

Does the fuel smell different??

[BigMike]

I didn't notice anything unusual about the smell.

[VScott]

Yes it will, Diesel Fuel will also atrack water. Believe it or not but the Virus that causes Syphilis can live in Diesel fuel.

You don't have water in the fuel do you??

Or I guess the more logical question is: Does your tractor have syphilis?
Sorry, couldn't resist.

[VScott]

I didn't notice anything unusual about the smell.

Well, I guess that blows my syphilis theory.

[Racenitro]

YES
Diesel fuel wil go bad. It will jell to the point it is almost a solid.
If you plan on storing diesel, you need to put in an additive that prevents jelling.
It will change its smell from diesel to a ner varnish smell...
Also, diesel will jell in winter if it has no antigelling additives.
If you bought the fuel in mid summer, it may not have the antgelling additive in it.

BM get an octane booster and add it to the thank...it should help get it started.

The new biodiesel is more prone to attract wate than the old high sulfur diesel. The PSD's have water separator as do some Case Backhoes.
The 782D does not have a separator.

I always buy my diesel from a place that sells lots of diesel. Never buy it from a low volume seller...it will be a poor qulity of fuel.

I would also suspect that the new diesel is not exactly made for the 782D. The new low sulfur diesel is a problem is some older diesel engines that are not setup to handle it.

[red82s]

I've been using the power service winter additive with good results

[BigMike]

I KNOW this tractor has some sort of disease!
I must not be a diesel person.

I am going to drain the tank and lines,add some booster and fresh fuel and see what happens.

[ReicheP]

Diesel will gel into a solid "rock" below 19 degs F unless it's winter treated, usually with kero by the supplier. Up north all diesel is treated and you shouldn't need to treat it for gelling. Many of us driving diesel also use Power Service year round to insure against jelling and add extra lubricity to the fuel since most of the sulfur has been removed. ULSD treated with a product like Power Service can be used in any diesel engine.

Here is an article which explains the "algae" deterioration of old diesel.

http://diesel-fuels.com/

http://www.fourwinds-ii.com/v2/?c=libra ... auseEffect

So when the neighbor says he is having his oil heating system converted to gas, pass on the offer for free diesel!

[vince_o]

BM

Im realy hurt that you didnt call me. For once I could have answered a question like frank, Dave K style!

Yes fuel goes bad
yes fuel will turn to almost a soild, espically bio fuel not treated
yes fuel gets algi
yes fuel attracts water

yes you just need to give that tractor to me and Ill fix it for ya. See if ya get it back!

[BigMike]

Water in diesel must be a very common thing because at every turn it has been suggested the fuel has water in it.

No water,no gelling,no algae,no funny smell just lost volatility I believe.
Emptied the tank,lines and filter.Fresh fuel with some Stanadyne and we'll see if we get more than just gray smoke and a dead battery.

Vince,i'll make you a deal,I will trade a big stack of cash for it......and you pick it up here (uh oh,did I just invite Vince to the Cub Ranch? )

[Farmallgray]

Mike,
I just re-read your original post. A 10 count isn't long enough to glow in cold weather unless you have a block heater plugged in. If your temps are freezing or below you may have to glow it for 30 seconds or more and even multiple cycles of glowing and trying to start. I go by the chart under the hood for how long to glow at various temps.

[BigMike]

Todd,I guess I should have said the shop is 55 degrees.
I thought that the plugs used for the upgrade were at max temp at a 10 count?

[cub1450]

Yes diesel fuel goes bad
The plastic tank will sweat and cause moisture and water will form in the tank
We had a 3930 Ford newholland do that

[Farmallgray]

Mike,
The new style plugs don't change the glow time. I was out to the shop a little bit ago and looked at the chart but should have taken the camera.
10 seconds was good for above 75 F. Below 32 was 30 seconds so at 55 you probably want to glow at least 20 seconds.

[ReicheP]

all it will do is puff gray smoke.

Gray smoke when cranking is typical of GP's not firing or not hot enough.

[BigMike]

Well that may be a tasty bit of info.
Thanks Todd.

[vince_o]

If you have doughnuts Ill bring Geezer too!

I wouldnt think ten seconds would be long enough to start any small eng in the winters up there.

[Amigatec]

I have seen Glowplugs have times of 10 seconds to 60 seconds or more. It all depends on the system. Some of your older Cats, will take several 30 second Glow times before starting. Just make sure your system will handle the longer times.

[BigMike]

We have finality.
Glow the plugs 10 seconds and it fires right up.......when 12 volts get TO the plugs
Checked for voltage on the low side of the relay,yup,12 volts.I go to check the first plug and theeeeerrrrre it is.The wire running from the high amp side of the relay was broken......perfectly lined up but broken just the same.Crimp on a new fitting and we have black smoke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for the help.I will figure out this crazy greaser so help me!

[vince_o]

BLACK SMOKE

Im telling Al Gore on you!

[BigMike]

Al Gore can suck nitrogen oxide and CO2

[Racenitro]

BM
He might do better sucking Nitrous Oxide...LOL at least then he would be a real hoot...!!!

I like you attitude..LOL

[dday2613]

My 1572 has had gonorhea since I've owned it I guess, as I almost always have to burn the GP's for at least 30 seconds on a cold start!?!