2007-01-09 08:01:28 · 5 answers · asked by deewill153 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am now using oil that is 4 years old. We filled up 4 years ago, and the winters have been milder, so it's still good.
Condensation can be a problem in metal tanks. Tanks that are HALF full can have moist air above the oil. Then, when the metal tank walls get cold, the moisture condenses as liquid, then sinks to the bottom of the lighter oil.
When you drain out your "free" oil from the old tank, DO NOT SIPHON the last two inches. It will contain some water and sludge and iron particles. YOU SHOULD SEE the slimy sludge that is on the bottom of one of my empty tanks after just two years.
Stay warm.....
2007-01-09 08:09:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer previous about oil never going off is not correct. Crude oil in the ground may not change significantly over the years, but you're talking about refined oil (#2 fuel oil, most likely). Like all diesel fractions, stove oil can get contaminated from several sources. Water is the most common, but you can also have contaminants from the tank (rust, aluminum oxides, copper oxide from the lines, etc.). Fuel is also prone to algae growth, beleive it or not. Truckers use a fuel additive that controls the growth of algae in their tanks sometimes. Your best bet is to find a lab that will test a sample of the oil, then make sure you have a new filter and water trap in the line before running it into the furnace.
2007-01-09 08:11:55 · answer #2 · answered by nyninchdick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get an electric saws all and start your way from the top. As far as the sludge, it depends on how thick it is I would either cut a hole on the side so you can scoop it up with a plastic cup, or just cut the top off from the tank several inches from the bottom and then with 2 people carry the bottom half up the stairs and outside, where you can clean it out there or take the thing on the curb and hope the garbage men take it away. If possible I would try to avoid cleaning it in your basement just because of the smell and the fact if you get the sludge on the floor its going to be a pain to clean.
2016-05-22 23:37:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
plumbing supply company's see a product called 4-in-1.
it is a fairly good conditioning additive for your situation
2007-01-09 10:21:41 · answer #4 · answered by Specialist Ed :Þ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forever, oil is millions and millions of years ago, its just like water, it cant expire or go off
2007-01-09 08:04:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋