Yes, I get it about the legality but that aside, hypothetically if SHTF mode, gas stations shut down, etc, along with all the other stuff that would demand my attention, what would be the mechanical consequences of running red diesel?

In my understanding, red (farm) diesel is now the same as ULSD (highway/non-farm) diesel except red dye and the fact that it probably has more microbes/sludge since it likely has been sitting longer in bulk tanks on the farm. In that case, assume additional additives kept this in check.

Again, a heavy legal consequence would be in play but in a rare chance things went Ukrainian over here, transportation priority might trump other "concerns" and the GMC 3.0 Duramax might come in handy.

It's just on road diesel with red dye. No mechanical consequences

Thanks. So how long would one be able to realistically contain diesel in above ground tanks in the Texas heat, before sludge/quality becomes an issue? Would two years work? Monthly additives?

DEF is going to be the problem long before diesel.

Bpriefert said:

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Thanks. So how long would one be able to realistically contain diesel in above ground tanks in the Texas heat, before sludge/quality becomes an issue? Would two years work? Monthly additives?

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Years? I've run tractors on 10yr old diesel with no issues. If you're really worried about it, a post-emissions diesel isn't what you want.

Shouldnt really be any sludge in a fuel storage tank, the likelier issue would be water intrusion from rain, humidity

Never had a problem with it in trucks. Sometimes a little, sometimes a full tank, it runs fine. Just dyed.

I worked in refining back when the specs were actually different. Even then, both types of diesel were the same, came out of the same tank. The dye was added at the truck rack. Not worth the effort to make a higher sulfur diesel for the volume of off road sales.

TSJ said:

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DEF is going to be the problem long before diesel.

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This is the important comment. The best option is going to be an old school multi fuel engine because you don't know what you're going to find until you find it.

Also if SHTF don't expect the gas pumps to actually work at the stations…..

Corps_Ag12 said:

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if SHTF don't expect the gas pumps to actually work at the stations…..

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That's my point. 1,000 gal of bulk fuel on the farm would buy me a few months of travel.

Bpriefert said:

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Corps_Ag12 said:

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if SHTF don't expect the gas pumps to actually work at the stations…..

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That's my point. 1,000 gal of bulk fuel on the farm would buy me a few months of travel.

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if the SHTF that gas would be stolen before you could use it all...

agracer said:

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Bpriefert said:

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Corps_Ag12 said:

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if SHTF don't expect the gas pumps to actually work at the stations…..

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That's my point. 1,000 gal of bulk fuel on the farm would buy me a few months of travel.

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if the SHTF that gas would be stolen before you could use it all...

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Man, I'll take those odds all day long.

During the supply chain issues of 2021, it was legal in certain places.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-grants-dyed-diesel-fuel-penalty-relief-due-to-disruptions-of-the-fuel-supply-chain

I would not worry about storing it. If you are buying 1000 gallons, just use it and keep it full as you use it.

I have a buddy that has a tank of farm and a tank of road diesel. He just orders some of each for his deliveries.