Is it safe to drive with a 5 year old diesel in a tank?

meren · 04-06-2008, 07:37 PM

I just got my new 1983 300CD turbo 179K.
It was sitting in a driveway for 5yars and owner had newer started it during all this time. It had a full tank of diesel in it. To my amazement after installing a new battery, it started and I drove 100 mile trip to my house with out any problems. The best $2500 I spend on a used car.
Can any one tell me MPG for this one?
Thanks.

ohlord · 04-06-2008, 08:02 PM

17-22 in top tune.
service the trans,run through all that old fuel before it plugs the injectors and enjoy your good deal.check all the other neglected fluids also.coolant,battery,brake,power steering,rear diff.
ohlord

240D 3.0T · 04-07-2008, 05:59 PM

17-22 is very low and means there are engine/drivetrain problems. 22-28mpg is normal depending on driving style.

Old diesel is not good to use. It will have water (VERY bad) and maybe fungus growth.

Drain the tank and fill with fresh fuel.

meren · 04-08-2008, 11:41 AM

Is that a good idea or just drain it?

240D 3.0T · 04-08-2008, 11:49 AM

Its not hard to take it out. If you have the facilities to properly clean it out, not just sloshing water around with a hose, then it certainly wouldn't hurt.

If not, just keep a few spare filters in the trunk and the tools to change them.

04-06-2008, 07:37 PM	#1
meren Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 18	Is it safe to drive with a 5 year old diesel in a tank? I just got my new 1983 300CD turbo 179K. It was sitting in a driveway for 5yars and owner had newer started it during all this time. It had a full tank of diesel in it. To my amazement after installing a new battery, it started and I drove 100 mile trip to my house with out any problems. The best $2500 I spend on a used car. Can any one tell me MPG for this one? Thanks.

04-06-2008, 08:02 PM	#2
ohlord MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: north of seattle Posts: 3,464	maybe 17-22 in top tune. service the trans,run through all that old fuel before it plugs the injectors and enjoy your good deal.check all the other neglected fluids also.coolant,battery,brake,power steering,rear diff. ohlord

04-08-2008, 11:41 AM	#4
meren Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 18	I was told to remove a tank and wash it out. Is that a good idea or just drain it?

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04-07-2008, 05:59 PM	#3
240D 3.0T Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Federal Heights, CO Posts: 507	17-22 is very low and means there are engine/drivetrain problems. 22-28mpg is normal depending on driving style. Old diesel is not good to use. It will have water (VERY bad) and maybe fungus growth. Drain the tank and fill with fresh fuel.

04-08-2008, 11:49 AM	#5
240D 3.0T Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Federal Heights, CO Posts: 507	Its not hard to take it out. If you have the facilities to properly clean it out, not just sloshing water around with a hose, then it certainly wouldn't hurt. If not, just keep a few spare filters in the trunk and the tools to change them.