Is there any type of poly/plastic drum that Diesel fuel won't react with. I have a generator that has a three cylinder Cat on it to act as a standby for the house. I can get steel drums easy enough but wanted to go with something that wouldn't rust or corrode and avoid having to worry about painting and such. I can get the blue plastic drums but wanted to check here and see if I would run into a problem. Any additives to extend the life of the fuel that you might recommend would also be helpful. I plan on swapping the fuel out into my truck on occasion to avoid it sitting for too long but I didn't want to have to do it very often if I could avoid it.
Thanks Eric

 

Anyone?

I have the same questions - how long can I store diesel without additives, and how long with additives? I want to store a few 5 gal plastic diesel jugs in my barn for emergency use.

Steve

 

I have a purpose made plastic tank for the storage of diesel fuel. It is made of polyethylene. The same diesel, with no additional additives, has been in it for about 5 years now and I still use it with no problems.
Diesel does not go "off" like gas.
I have also used plastic lube oil drums and farm agri-chemical drums for short term diesel storage without any problems. I would not be worried about storing diesel long term in the lube oil drums without any additives, especially if the drums were kept filled to the brim to reduce any condensation.
Just my opinion.

 

Another way to go, (like I have) is to puchase a used saddle tank off of a semi. These are usually aluminum (no rust) and are from 50-125 gals each. I picked up a 90 gal for $75.

Might be worth a look.

 

I was more concerned about algae or condensation - but I would think if the jugs were filled dead-full and used once a year and refilled, it would be no big deal.

 

Keep the water out of fuel and you will never have to be concerned with algae.

 

For good insurance, since it is for "EMERGENCY" use is to treat it with Powerservice CLEAR DIESEL, it will keep bacteria from growing and dispurse moisture.

 

a few years ago I bought a 1970's mercedes diesel that had been sitting since the early 90's. 10 or more years.

I just plopped a battery in it and drove it home.

As posted above, diesel doesn't go bad like gas does. that car was proof of that for sure.

 

Thanks everybody. Still wonder if there is any insight on the reactivity of diesel with the blue poly drums or what type poly drum would work.
Thanks,
Eric

 

Provided they were not used previously to store corrosive chemicals and provided they are kept from direct sunlight and protected from temperatures below 32 degrees they should be fine for diesel storage.