2plus1
Las Vegas
New Member
Joined: 11/05/2009
View Profile
|
I filled my 100 gallon tank a couple of years ago and parked it. I have yet to use it in the 2 years. Can I still use the motorhome with the 2 year old gas?
One idea I had was to Siphon 10 gallons at a time out of it and use it in my diesel truck. 20 gallons of new and 10 gallons of the OLD from the coach?
Any help would be appreciated.
1992 Safari Ivory 36' 8.3L Diesel, 4 Speed Tranny.
|
Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor
Full Member
Joined: 10/16/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
 Offline
|
If it is diesel fuel, it's good to go, but auto gas will not be any good after 2 years.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4091 DP 8.3/350 horse alison 6 speed
|
suchristo01
San Diego, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/30/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
http://priproducts.com I have used the gas version of a product of the linked compamy with three year old gasoline. They have a diesel formula. It is available at marine stores and Camping World if you should decide it might work for you. I got on to it from a fishing boat skipper here in San Diego that used it in his commercial diesal fishing business.
Tommy USMC,Susie USN Ret, Dog Buddy
2000 Fleetwood Flair 25F WH P32 7.4L 19.5"
2002 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L 5 Spd Man
Blue Ox Base,Aventa II,4 PIN Locks
US Gear UTB, Power Gear Man Lev, Onan 4KW
Tent,GP Tent,Tent Trailer,2 Class A's
Are We There Yet? 
|
flstskeith
Illinois
Full Member
Joined: 03/30/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
JMO if you are going to use it in your daily why not use it in your MH. You can also use PRI-D conditioner that contends to restore old fuel back to fresh. Ck their website (sold at CW.) Change your filters and go
|
f.wernlein
Northern Virginia
Full Member
Joined: 12/13/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
My opinion is the fuel is useable. Two reasonable precautions come to mind:
If you have a tank drain port, I would drain off slowly a gallon or so to check/remove water. I would add a biochemical fuel treatment to kill any algae...and run it in the MH.
Hopefully, your unit has a good fuel filtering system. Stock up on fuel filters...on my coach the 10 micron RACOR filter and water separator would deal with most of the things that would cause problems after long storage (water and algae. The final 2 micron finishing filter would deal with the rest. Filters in reserve will get you home if there is a fuel quality problem.
I'll edit/add this: The majority of the readers in this part of the forum have diesel RV's...in my experience, the vast majority of RV diesel engine "problems" are "fuel related", I am blessed with a dual fuel filter set up, a primary RACOR filter/water separator, and then a secondary filter on the engine. I had a fuel issue (algae) once, I knew something was up as my fuel pressure gauge was reading low, and every hour getting lower, so I checked my filters, found crud, changed filters on road, treated the fuel with additive, drove about 300-400 miles, changed filters....did this about 3x times. Takes about 20 mins to change both filters with practice. Bottom line: I was on the road and able to keep going. The factors that kept me going were: recognizing a fuel problem before engine starved for fuel (and getting stuck blocking a lane - calling a tow truck)... fuel pressure delivery gauge key here. Second, knowing how to check/change fuel filters (not hard at all); Third, having on board stock of filters (careful here...most filters come in a variety of "filter sizes", meaning screening size 30 micron, 20 micron, 2 micron..check engine manual for proper filter element - a common "fix" by some engine mechanics could be to address a delivery problem by using a bigger screen filter). Also, not throwing any stones, but some RV makers only use a common single purpose engine fuel filter...which does not provide water removal), they save costs by omitting a RACOR type unit mid line. Bottom line, know your system, carry filters, perhaps best insurance to rolling down the road.
Also, proper filter set up also will prevent fuel pump & injector damage.
* This post was
edited 11/07/09 06:14am by f.wernlein *
Frank W.
1985 BlueBird Wanderlodge
|
|
|
2plus1
Las Vegas
New Member
Joined: 11/05/2009
View Profile
|
Thanks for the replies.
I am not sure where or what my fuel filter looks like! I did notice the last time I drove the coach that it was having a harder time going up the hill from Barstow towards Las Vegas. I think I was able to run up the hill at 55 or so, last time I drove I could only manage 35. Nothing different, same weight, no wind either trip, etc.
|
Home Skillet
Pearland Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 10/21/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Diesel fuel will grow algae if stored for too long. 2 years is way too long. I would not risk damaging the injectors etc. by using fuel that old.
2005 Gulf Stream Conquest 31ft
BigFoot Levelers,SmarTire,Bilstein Shocks,Trans temp guage,Lowrace iWAY
|
Locomotiveman
Willmar, MN
Senior Member
Joined: 03/07/2005
View Profile
|
2plus1 You're in a dry climate, I'd use it. I'd say MAYBE siphon some out from the BOTTOM of the tank if possible with a simple garden hose or whatever; in case condensation moisture collected there. Algae-cide additive and a brand new fuel filter before starting the engine would be a safe bet too. Locomotiveman
Locomotiveman..Yes I am a career cross-country Locomotive Engineer. Wife is an RN. We are CLOSE to retiring and 'downsized' to a Monaco Executive w/450hp Cummins and nice drapes. Locomotiveman
|
garry1p
Geeville, MS
Senior Member
Joined: 08/12/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Happens all the time with farm equipment.
BIL has a tractor that has been setting for 2 years next week he will give it a shot of starting fluid, jump start it, run it hard 8 hours a day for 3 to 4 weeks then shut it down for another year or two. I would guess the tractor is 15 or more years old.
Then again a MH is not a tractor!
You could call the manufacture and get their recommendation.
Garry1p
1990 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite XL
454 on P-30 Chassis
1999 Jeep Cherokee sport
|
Telemarc
B.C. Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 10/11/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
We had stern tanks in the boat that we used once every 5 years. BUT, we treated the fuel with biobor an anti fungicide. I would suck up a sample from the tank and it will be easy to see if it has algea bloom ,, otherwise it is as goood as new.
Sold the house, time to see the world.
|
|
|
