Old Diesel

[RLT]

Got a 20L Jerry can with a gallon or two of diesel in it, which I forgot about.
Been there for maybe 4 years.
1. Is it usable or should I just dispose ?
2. Can I mix it by filling the can with fresh diesel and use in the JK or NOT ?
3. Once empty should I clean the can out with maybe petrol in case there is any mould contamination ?

[OzRick25]

Bonfire time. Is it usable? it depends a lot on how consistent the temperature has been and how well sealed the container has been. Assuming it doesn't have a temperature stabiliser added and you have had cold temperatures congealing in the fuel can occur. If the container was not sealed moisture could have formed inside the container particularly more so for metal containers that have a large ullage and if you have had varying temperatures. If the batch of fuel came out of a shity products tanker that was being run cheap or lazy it will have high microbial growth and while it would be nice to think that fuel companies would refuse it most of the time they just demand a lower price and on sell it to distributers discounted. Short of looking through a microscope your not going to know. For the sake of $10 of diesel there is no way I would risk messing up sensitive diesel injectors which could run into the thousands to replace. As far as mold goes i would say this is unlikely but possible. Inspect the last part of the fuel if there is water in there it will settle at the bottom so you should notice it. Inspect the empty container with a torch assuming no growth on the walls clean it by swirling a couple hundred mls of new diesel round a couple of times look at the diesel when it comes out if it looks clean the container will be good.

[RLT]

Advise noted thanks

[rjl3175]

Lets work this out, $15 fuel value. $14,000 engine value.

[layback40]

Dont put it in your car.
Can use it for starting a fire. If you have an oil heater, use it in that. Diesel is also good as a weed spray.
Rinse the container with a ltr of fresh clean diesel & dispose of the ltr with the old diesel.
You can leave the old diesel in the can until you need it & then do the rinse.
Never store diesel for more than a couple of months.

[Classic Boy]

old diesel makes a excellent parts wash and degreaser.