Storing van & water in diesel?

[TobyQuest]

Hi
As winter closes in I plan on storing the van outside for around 8 months.
Ive seen that in some conditions people can get water in their diesel tanks.

What are those conditions?
And when storing for long periods such as 8 months is it better to store it with an almost empty tank of diesel or a full one?

Thanks

 

[daveandsan]

Brim the tank.

 

[PaulOH]

I think you might be referring to the diesel filter indicating presence of water? This happened to me and after a prolonged dry spell it evaporated and the light never lit up again. Having the light lit never stopped the van starting I should add, but it isn't injected so maybe that's why?

 

[PaulOH]

Maybe bring some fresh diesel to start it?

 

[Tonks]

Unless you’re storing for a year I can’t see you having issues with ‘old’ diesel. I was always taught that it’s best to keep tanks full to avoid condensation in the fuel.

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[The Wino]

The problem is condensation of water out of the air in the tank against the inside tank wall. It happens mostly on metal tanks I'm pretty sure ours is plastic so it's unlikely to be a problem anyway but if you fill to the top there little space for air so less risk of condensation. If you want you could also put in an additive to reduce the risk of bacteria growing in the tank ( again more likely if there water in it) if they do they can clog the filters it's more likely on boats.
I must admit I've often not got around to filling up before winter and never used an additive never had a problem. Your most likely problem will be a flat cab battery and increased wear on start up when we had to use storage I used to take it for a drive once a month or so.

 

[Folkranger]

It's usually said that the tank should be winterised full to prevent it corroding. I must say I never have done, and to my knowledge, never had a problem.

 

[The Wino]

It's usually said that the tank should be winterised full to prevent it corroding. I must say I never have done, and to my knowledge, never had a problem.

As I said I'm pretty sure ours is plastic so unlike to corrode

 

[gpat]

Unless you’re storing for a year I can’t see you having issues with ‘old’ diesel. I was always taught that it’s best to keep tanks full to avoid condensation in the fuel.

Yes that's true, but if you do that you have more poor fuel to deal with. Bit of a dilemma.

 

[The Wino]

Yes that's true, but if you do that you have more poor fuel to deal with. Bit of a dilemma.

It would be one of those vans people think are great because they've done so few miles but are in worse condition through lack of use.

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[EuroTrotters]

I’ll take it for a spin for you in winter

 

[SpeedyDux]

Water condensation in diesel is only one consideration. Engines should be turned over at least once a month to keep the bores and seals healthy. The starter battery must not be allowed to discharge completely. It needs to be fully charged before you try to start the engine and before you take the MH out of storage. Otherwise you risk the dreaded airbag ECU failure due to low voltage. Several threads on this forum about that issue.

 

[TobyQuest]

It would be one of those vans people think are great because they've done so few miles but are in worse condition through lack of use.

trying to find out where the useful part of your message is

 

[Richard n Ann]

I fill ours up, only because it will be even more expensive the following year

 

[The Wino]

trying to find out where the useful part of your message is

I meant so better to start it and use it regularly and not assume a really low mileage means good mechanical condition.

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[TobyQuest]

Yes it does seem a bit of a dilema. I had it parked up with a bit of old diesel in it but 2 years later it started up fine. No way to tell what the inside of the tank is like, but I think this time around I'll leave it half full.

Surprised to hear people mentioning that the inside can corrode. I would have thought the oil in the diesel prevented that from happening by lining the sides of the tank.